Lewis Hamilton believes that he could have challenged Nico Rosberg for first place in the Chinese Grand Prix earlier today if he had not started the race with a five-spot grid penalty.

The 27-year-old was handed the punishment because of a necessary gearbox replacement on his McLaren car.

Having admitted that he couldn't have performed any better, Hamilton was left to rue the drop down the grid.

"I got absolutely everything out of the car that I possibly could," he told BBC Sport. "I am sure if I hadn't had the penalty then I would have given Nico a run for his money."

Hamilton eventually finished third in Shanghai.