Sprint weekends are always intense, demanding quick actions from Friday to Sunday. The Chinese GP in Shanghai was no exception, with close competition and new driver-team partnerships adding to the pressure.
McLaren showed strong pace, proving to be the team to beat on the new, smooth track surface that significantly improved lap times compared to last year. However, achieving the perfect lap was challenging for all drivers.
Mandatory minimum tire pressures were set high due to the aerodynamic demands of the first corner complex and Turns 12 and 13 leading onto the back straight.
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Drivers had to manage tire temperatures and pressures carefully during pit lane and pit-out laps for qualifying. Minimum pressures were increased overnight on Friday, adding variability to the process.
This variability resulted in an unexpected front row for the Sprint race with Hamilton (Ferrari) and Verstappen (Red Bull), and for the main race with Piastri (McLaren) and Russell (Mercedes). Shanghai`s race weekend was defined by unpredictability.
Vintage Hamilton in the Sprint
Hamilton delivered a classic Sprint performance, leading from pole and effectively managing tire degradation to secure his first victory for Ferrari. This win was a welcome turnaround after a disappointing Melbourne race and marked the first Sprint victory for both Hamilton and Ferrari.
Piastri drove well to second place, overtaking Verstappen cleanly, as many drivers struggled with tire graining. This issue occurs when high lateral grip tears the tire surface, causing sliding and further wear.
Norris, leading the championship, made a rare error, running wide early in the race and finishing only eighth. The McLaren car is fast but can be challenging to handle.
Teams were allowed to adjust car setups before Saturday qualifying to improve performance and tire management, with many finding success.
The hard compound tire`s performance was a major unknown for race day. Sprint weekends reduce the dry tire allocation to 12 sets, with only two hard sets available. Teams were hesitant to test the hard tires beforehand, especially given the poor performance of medium tires in the Sprint.
Teams Changed Race Strategy on the Go
Qualifying for the main race initially seemed like a McLaren battle between Piastri and Norris, with Piastri appearing to have the edge. He did secure pole, but Russell`s Mercedes, with a different out-lap strategy, slotted into the front row.
Shanghai`s weather was unusually pleasant throughout the weekend, continuing into race day. At the start, Piastri squeezed Russell towards the pit wall, compromising Russell`s entry into Turn One. Norris capitalized, taking second place with excellent teamwork.
Verstappen`s Red Bull momentarily lost control, allowing Hamilton and Leclerc in their Ferraris to advance. Leclerc took an aggressive line, clipped the inside kerb, and collided with Hamilton, damaging his front wing. Despite the damage, Hamilton`s tire luckily remained intact.
Despite the damage, Leclerc maintained pace, becoming the faster Ferrari driver, and Hamilton eventually yielded position. Leclerc`s strong drive was likely fueled by watching Hamilton`s Sprint victory. However, these efforts would ultimately be in vain due to later events.
A two-stop race, medium/hard/hard, was expected to be the optimal strategy. Three drivers at the back opted for a different approach, starting on hard tires. Initially, the hard tires seemed effective, but the strategy`s ambiguity was highlighted when Lawson (Red Bull) pitted on lap 18, Bearman (Haas) on lap 26, and Stroll (Aston Martin) on lap 36 of 56.
The leaders began their first pit stops around lap 14, managing pace on medium tires. Norris, close behind Piastri, pitted on lap 15, rejoining behind Russell. Norris then executed another overtake by lap 18, reclaiming McLaren`s one-two formation.
The medium tires performed well, leading teams to consider a one-stop strategy, avoiding a 23-second pit stop.
McLaren are on a roll
Verstappen, seemingly unnoticed, began to gain pace. Possibly due to lower fuel, track conditions, or a change in tire management, he closed on the Ferraris. Verstappen even set his fastest lap on the final lap, a somewhat surprising move.
Hamilton pitted, with little to lose, rejoining behind Verstappen but on fresher tires. Hamilton pushed hard, possibly contributing to his later disqualification.
The hard tire`s durability over 42+ laps was confirmed, with Piastri describing their performance as “better than expected.”
Two-stop strategies for drivers like Hamilton and the Racing Bulls (Hadjar and Tsunoda) proved less effective.
Norris faced a brake issue late in the race, nearly losing second place to Russell, who had a strong Mercedes performance.
McLaren achieved their 50th one-two finish, continuing their strong momentum.
Intense battles occurred throughout the field, particularly involving Lawson and Doohan, who face pressure early in the season. Team changes are possible.
Alonso retired for the second consecutive race due to a rear brake problem.
Pain for Ferrari after miscalculation
Post-race, Ferrari and Gasly (Alpine) faced disqualifications. Leclerc and Gasly were disqualified for being underweight, similar to Russell`s Spa incident last year. Tire wear and high fuel consumption due to race pace and no safety cars contributed to the weight issue. Despite replacing Leclerc`s damaged wing, the car remained underweight, indicating a team miscalculation in weight margins.
Hamilton was disqualified for excessive skid block wear, violating rules designed to prevent teams from running cars too low for aerodynamic advantage at the cost of floor damage.
The disqualifications will be a painful blow for Ferrari, especially in the Italian media, despite their Sprint victory.
Antonelli, despite early floor damage, had a quiet but solid race, finishing sixth after disqualifications and surprisingly being voted driver of the day.
Verstappen, Ocon, Bearman, Albon, Sainz, and Stroll gained positions and points due to the disqualifications.
Norris increased his championship lead over Verstappen, while Piastri is now only 10 points behind. The McLaren drivers are set for an intense rivalry as the season progresses.
Formula 1 heads to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6.
