Formula 1 drivers and teams are preparing for the uncertainties that come with the return of the Chinese Grand Prix circuit after a five-year absence. Red Bull is no exception to the challenges that lie ahead. The discussions during Thursday’s F1 media day in Shanghai focused on the question marks surrounding the track and how it has changed since the last race in 2019. While Max Verstappen experienced brake failure in Melbourne, Red Bull was vulnerable to Ferrari on race day and could have faced a threat in a direct competition. The true speed of Ferrari on that day remains unknown, but this weekend may provide some answers. The nature of the Shanghai circuit, which has been front-limited in the past, suggests a potential threat from Ferrari. Red Bull is aware of this, with Sergio Perez stating that the team expects to struggle a bit more on this type of circuit. Despite the challenges, Red Bull remains optimistic and hopes to show better resilience to the graining that occurs on front tires. Verstappen believes he discovered something in Melbourne that he wasn’t able to showcase on race day and sees differences between the two tracks. The front-limited nature of the Shanghai circuit, with its long corners, could play to Ferrari’s strengths, as they performed well in Melbourne where front graining was a major limitation. Carlos Sainz believes that Ferrari can challenge Red Bull on certain tracks this year, but Shanghai may not be one of them. He hopes to be proven wrong and wants to mount a stronger challenge to Red Bull than they did in Suzuka. Sainz believes that the success of the team may depend on the track surface, which is causing much discussion and confusion. The surface has been described as “painted” by many drivers, with varying opinions on how it will affect the race. The painted surface is unfamiliar to F1 circles but has been recognized from other forms of racing. The behavior of the surface is difficult to predict, and no one is entirely sure how it will affect the race. There are suggestions that the painted surface will clean up quickly, while others expect it to persist. The track surface is also less rough than it was in 2019, which could impact tire graining. The inconsistency in grip levels, even within individual corners, is a major concern for teams. Despite the uncertainties, it is not expected to be as problematic as the surface at the Turkish Grand Prix venue in 2020. The track surface will play a significant role in the race, and teams will need to manage their tire choices accordingly. With just 60 minutes of free practice before sprint qualifying, FP1 will be crucial in understanding how the tires behave and evolve. Changes are expected throughout the weekend, and graining may be a bigger problem earlier in the weekend. The high tire pressures will require careful management during the races. The uncertainty surrounding the track surface, combined with the fact that F1 hasn’t raced in Shanghai since 2019, poses additional challenges. The sprint format adds another layer of complexity, with teams having the opportunity to modify their setups based on what they learn during the sprint activities. The reduced duration of the sprint means there are fewer laps to make mistakes that could lead to exclusions. Teams will have limited time to make changes based on what they learn, but it could make a difference in qualifying for the grand prix. The final corner of the Shanghai circuit has been modified, with a gravel trap replacing the asphalt run-off. Several bumps and artificial grass around the circuit have also been removed.
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