With only one hour of practice and a resurfaced track, what would happen at the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday was anyone's guess.
There were more variables than usual heading into the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend, not least the fact this is the first visit Formula 1 has taken to Shanghai since 2019.
With that, the drivers had to make the most of running on what was an extremely green circuit, with several drivers struggling through the Turn 6 hairpin and the banked Turn 13 in particular. Different aero setups or engine maps were also evident between team-mates: we can see in Ferrari Sainz being faster on the back straight and Lando Norris faster than Oscar Piastri.
Given the grip limitations, it may be difficult to read deeply into the long runs the front-running teams put together – but given the lack of time drop-off on the medium tyre for Max Verstappen, this indicates there was plenty of pace in hand for the reigning World Champion. McLaren had been concerned about their pace heading into the weekend, but they were not looking as bad as they expected. There is a chance were running with less fuel load than the rest of their competitors for their long run, and Norris’ pole in wet conditions showed off all his skill, while team principal Andrea Stella said Oscar Piastri was hindered by a momentary gearbox issue on his fastest lap.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix - Sprint ShootoutLive updates, pictures and lap times from Friday at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix.
Read more »
F1 practice halted at Chinese Grand Prix track as fire breaks outA bizarre fire at the track saw practice called to a halt with Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft left stunned.
Read more »
Chinese Grand Prix practice resumes after red flag for fire on trackFollow live text and audio commentary from practice and sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Read more »
Explained: The ‘painted track’ theory at the F1 Chinese Grand PrixF1 drivers thought the track at the Shanghai International Circuit had been painted
Read more »
FIA respond as concerns noted over Chinese Grand Prix track surfaceThe return of the Chinese Grand Prix has seen F1 show up to the Shanghai circuit featuring a very different track surface...
Read more »
2024 F1 Australian Grand Prix - Friday PracticeA recap of what happened in Friday practice for the Australian Grand Prix.
Read more »