Formula one returns to China after five years after having first raced at Shanghai International Circuit over two decades ago. The last time Valtteri Bottas was on podium in a Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel for Ferrari. It will be the first-time f1 race in China for newer drivers like Oscar Piastri and the Zhou Guanyu – having his first home race. Despite being away for so long the track layout remains the same. Potentially giving older, experienced drivers like Fernando Alonso an advantage.
This weekend also contains the first sprint race of the season meaning the drivers only have one practice to get used to the track before competitive racing begins. The practice begins on Thursday at 4:30am BST and qualifying for the sprint follows four hours later at 8:30am BST.
It is also the first time racing here with the new generation of cars. Leaving little data for the teams to create strategies. This could be a weekend full of upset and surprises and the sprint race on Saturday will give the teams more opportunity to secure points.
This track will offer several challenges that drivers will have to get used to it’s a ‘front limited’ track putting a high level of stress on the front tyres. The tight complex corner will require good balance and downforce.
Lewis Hamilton has experienced successful stints at Shanghai International Circuit. He previously won in 2019, 2017, 2015 and 2014. He is the most successful driver at the track with six wins in total giving him an advantage over the younger drivers. However, in the recent races Hamilton has consistently expressed disappointment with the Mercedes car. Could the potential uncertain strategies allow an opening for success for Mercedes and Hamilton? Or will more disappointment follow?
Max Verstappen remains a favourite, entering this race top of the drivers’ championship. He has secured three wins out of the four races so far. Red Bull will be feeling confident they can succeed in China and continue their dominance. However, Verstappen has expressed his frustration over the odd introduction of a sprint race after being away from China for so long. He seemed annoyed with the little time to prepare strategies and driver set up.
It's no doubt China can be an exciting race with two DRS zones and plenty of opportunity for overtaking. Potentially, mid-field success from the RB team. Or could Willaims be able to score points despite the concerns of a missing spare chassis?
McLaren have had recent failings with strategies costing driver Lando Norris important points. The team has already expressed uncertainty about the multiple low speed corners meaning this weekend may be about ‘damage control’ as team principal Andrea Stella explains. However, the lack of preparation could mean we see some unexpected strategies giving unexpected opportunities for teams.
There will be surprising results and strategies in a weekend that is hard to predict. Fans need to be prepared for what will likely be a dramatic weekend as we return to China. Qualifying begins on Saturday 8:00 am BST and the race follows on Sunday 8:00 am BST.
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