Yes, it is true what you just read, and your eyes are not deceiving you at this early hour of the day. The first practice session (FP1) was interrupted due to a fire that broke out on the grass at Turn 7. The fire had to be extinguished before the session could continue. The reason behind the fire remains unknown at this time.
Since this is the only practice session of the weekend, there was a greater emphasis on getting some proper running on the track. This is because the second event of the day would be the Sprint qualifying. It is the first time since 2019 that Formula 1 is back in China, and it is also the first time that the ground effect F1 cars, equipped with new 18″ tires, will race at the Shanghai International Circuit. Additionally, it is the first time a Sprint weekend is being held at this venue.
Teams and drivers will face challenges with only one hour of practice available to gather as much data as possible before the serious competition begins with the Sprint qualifying. To make matters more difficult, the track has been treated with Bitumen, a substance derived from crude oil known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties. This treatment will further complicate the teams’ ability to predict the level of grip on the track.
It is worth noting that the final corner of the circuit has been modified with the addition of a small gravel strip. Apart from these changes, Red Bull arrives in Shanghai with confidence following their one-two finish in Japan two weeks ago. However, the numerous variables and unknown factors surrounding this race may make it more interesting for the spectators.
This weekend marks a historic moment as Zhou Guanyu becomes the first Chinese driver to race in his home country. It is a significant achievement for the driver, his nation, and his loyal fans, although it is unfortunate that he is driving for Sauber.
In terms of tire selection, Pirelli has brought the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), and C4 (Soft) compounds for this weekend’s race. The Chinese Grand Prix returns to the calendar after a five-year hiatus. This means that the drivers, teams, and Pirelli are essentially starting from scratch, as the previous generation of cars used 13-inch tires in 2019.
(Source: Pirelli Motorsport)
Several teams introduced upgrades during the weekend, including Mercedes, who made adjustments to their Halo by adding small flicks on either side of the cockpit behind it. This modification is expected to create a vortex that improves the airflow to the rear of the car. Alpine also made changes to their floor body, with a revised diffuser letterbox and sidewall. Additionally, they introduced new floor edges and floor fences. Williams, on the other hand, updated their Halo with an improved forward Geometry.
RB implemented a new headrest design, specifically reshaping the area behind the driver’s helmet. Haas made significant upgrades with a new floor edge, floor fences, a revised coke/engine cover, rear corner, and mirrors.
The session began with dry conditions and a slight overcast sky. The track temperature was recorded at 39 degrees Celsius, while the ambient temperature stood at 23 degrees. Teams opted for a mix of tire compounds, showcasing all three types at the start of the session. Hamilton and Perez encountered a few challenges on the track, with Zhou noting that the grip was average.
After 12 minutes, both Ferraris finally joined the session on the track, using the red-walled tires for their qualifying runs. However, just 15 minutes into the session, a Red Flag was raised due to a fire that ignited on the grass at Turn 7. The session resumed once the fire was extinguished, with Albon leading the drivers back onto the track.
With 35 minutes remaining, Russell finally decided to set a timed lap using Hards but ended up in 20th place. A replay showed Hamilton and Hulkenberg having a racing incident, with Hamilton receiving a Black and White flag for crossing the pit entry line while fighting for the same position as McLaren’s Piastri. Hamilton’s mistake was caused by Piastri pushing him back into the pits.
Sainz also had to visit the pits to check his floor after hitting the kerbs hard at Turn 10, causing gravel to be thrown up. Alonso and Piastri both made similar errors, losing their way and going into the pits after locking up.
In the final ten minutes of the session, qualifying runs began in earnest, resulting in faster lap times. Perez and Hamilton both experienced slight moments of locking up at Turn 6, but managed to stay on track. However, Hamilton ended up in the run-off area. The session concluded with practice starts.
Report in progress…