Chinese Grand Prix 2010 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jenson Button secured his second victory of the season with a masterful performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading home Lewis Hamilton for McLaren's first one-two finish since the 2007 United States Grand Prix. The defending champion's strategic brilliance and tire management once again proved decisive at the Shanghai International Circuit, demonstrating that McLaren could match Red Bull's pace in race conditions even if they couldn't match their qualifying speed.

Starting from fourth on the grid behind Vettel's third consecutive pole position, Button executed another perfect race strategy that capitalized on Red Bull's continuing reliability woes. Vettel retired early with mechanical issues, his third DNF in four races, handing the advantage to McLaren. Button worked his way to the front through superior pit-stop strategy and tire conservation, emerging in the lead and controlling the race's final phase with the composure that defined his driving style. Hamilton provided perfect support in second place, though the 2008 champion pushed hard throughout and set the fastest lap, demonstrating his competitive drive even in a supporting role.

Nico Rosberg claimed his second consecutive podium for Mercedes, finishing third and establishing himself as a consistent points scorer in the early season. The German's performances suggested Mercedes' return to F1 was bearing fruit, though ultimate pace remained elusive. Vettel's retirement was particularly costly - Red Bull clearly had the fastest car but couldn't capitalize due to mechanical fragility. The race, held in changeable weather conditions typical of Shanghai, tested strategic acumen as teams gambled on tire choices. Button's second win moved him into championship contention alongside Alonso, Hamilton, and the Red Bull drivers, with five different winners from four races epitomizing 2010's unpredictability and setting the stage for the most open championship battle in years.