Despite starting on the softs, Hamilton failed to make his way through the field and was stuck behind Esteban Ocon in P14.
The British driver bemoaned being stuck behind one of the slowest cars on the grid over team radio.
"I can't even catch him, mate. This car is so slow," Hamilton said.
It has been a difficult Chinese GP for Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton started from 18th on the grid
Hamilton capitalises on VSC
After the Sauber of Valtteri Bottaspulled over in Turn 11 due to an engine failure, a Virtual Safety Car was thrown.
Hamilton took advantage of the VSC to box for new hard tyres, but by the time a full Safety Car was deployed and Hamilton was once again sat behind Ocon.
Hamilton emphasised his struggles over team radio.
"The car is just sliding around everywhere. I don't know, it just feels like something is broken. It's probably just the balance, it's really bad," he said.
In what was a damage limitation race, the seven-time world champion only managed ninth.