Former Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve has accused Lewis Hamltilon of “destroying” Ferrari’s Chinese Grand Prix after his battle with teammate Charles Leclerc. The Brit finished third, grabbing himself a place on the podium ahead of the Italian, who finished fourth.

The race run by the seven-time world champion has been described as “extreme” with the suggestion that the antics damaged Ferrari’s chances in Shanghai. Hamilton was third fastest in the sprint and finished third behind the Mercedes one-two of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, the 41-year-old is now facing claims that the battle with his teammate aided their rivals.

Villeneuve said: “Well, it was fair because he finished third, and he managed to beat his teammate. So, yes, it turned out okay, but it was a little bit extreme, and it destroyed Ferrari’s race.

“They were running second and third. Then they were fighting so hard, destroying their tyres. And in those two laps, they lost five seconds to Antonelli.”

The podium for Hamilton was his first for Ferrari after a difficult first season in the famous red. In doing so, it was a record-extending 203rd time he stood up among the winners during his illustrious F1 career.

However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur dismissed the notion as he believes the two teammates fighting for silverware is good for the sport.

He said: “I checked on my Whoop, and it was ok. I trust them, and for sure, it is always tricky because it is difficult to stop them, and I don’t want to ask them to freeze the positions, and I think it would be unfair.

“They are professional, and it is good for the team, it is good for F1, and I would prefer it stays like this.”