Chinese Grand Prix Weekend Begins

Formula 1 has returned to Shanghai, and the Chinese Grand Prix weekend has begun under the sprint format — meaning teams were given just a single practice session to understand the circuit before competitive running.

With only sixty minutes available, drivers immediately focused on collecting data rather than gradually building pace. Long corners, heavy braking zones, and Shanghai’s famous kilometre-long straight once again proved demanding for both tyres and balance.

Early in the session, teams concentrated on installation laps and baseline setups. As the track evolved, drivers began pushing harder to understand where the grip was developing.

Ferrari looked comfortable early, while McLaren appeared increasingly competitive as the session progressed. Mercedes also spent much of the hour experimenting with balance adjustments, trying to find stability through the circuit’s sweeping opening corners.

The limited practice time meant there was little room for mistakes. Drivers moved quickly through their programmes, switching between tyre compounds and gathering as much data as possible before the session ended.

On sprint weekends, practice often feels more intense than usual. With sprint qualifying following shortly after, the information gathered in this single hour becomes crucial for the rest of the weekend.

Shanghai’s first session therefore offered only a brief glimpse of the competitive order — but it was enough to suggest that several teams could be fighting closely as the weekend unfolds.