Sprint weekends are always intense, demanding quick actions from Friday to Sunday. The Chinese GP in Shanghai was no exception, with close competition and teams still adjusting early in the season.
McLaren showed strong pace, proving to be the team to beat on the new, smooth track surface in Shanghai. Achieving the perfect lap was challenging for all drivers, despite the track being significantly faster than the previous year.
High minimum tire pressures were required due to the demanding aerodynamic loads in the first corner complex and turns 12 and 13.
Drivers had to manage tire temperatures and pressures carefully during qualifying, leading to variability in performance. This resulted in an unexpected front row for the Sprint race with Hamilton and Verstappen, and for the main race with Piastri and Russell. Variability became a key factor in Shanghai.
Sprint Race: Hamilton`s Vintage Drive
Lewis Hamilton delivered a classic performance in the Sprint, controlling the race from pole position. He expertly managed tire graining, securing 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.
Oscar Piastri drove impressively to second place, overtaking Verstappen in a fair battle. Tire graining was a significant issue for everyone, caused by high lateral grip tearing the tire surface and causing slides, further worsening the problem.
Lando Norris, despite leading the championship, made a rare error, running wide on the first lap and finishing only in eighth place. The McLaren car is fast but requires precise handling.
Race Day Strategy and Surprises
Teams adjusted their car setups for Saturday`s qualifying to improve both speed and tire management, with many finding success.
The hard compound tire was a major unknown for the main race. With fewer dry tire sets available on Sprint weekends and teams reluctant to test the hard tires beforehand, its performance was uncertain, especially after the medium tires struggled with graining in the Sprint.
Race Start and Key Moments
McLaren`s Piastri and Norris appeared to be the frontrunners in qualifying, with Piastri ultimately securing pole. However, a clever out-lap strategy and a strong lap from Russell placed his Mercedes onto the front row.
The weather remained excellent for race day. At the start, Piastri squeezed Russell, allowing Norris to take second place with a move around the outside. Verstappen had a poor start, allowing Hamilton and Leclerc to gain positions. Leclerc, attempting a tight line, collided with Hamilton, damaging his front wing but fortunately not puncturing Hamilton`s tire.
Despite the damage, Leclerc maintained a strong pace, eventually being allowed past Hamilton. However, this effort would later be nullified.
Tyre Strategy Evolves
A two-stop strategy, using medium and hard tires, was expected to be optimal. However, some drivers at the back started on hard tires. Initially, the hard tires performed well, but the strategy proved inconsistent as Lawson pitted early, followed later by Bearman and Stroll.
The leaders began pitting around lap 14 for medium tires. Norris`s pit stop on lap 15 placed him behind Russell, requiring another overtake to regain second place and restore McLaren`s 1-2.
As the race progressed, teams realized the medium tires could last the distance, potentially making a one-stop strategy viable.
McLaren`s Strong Performance
Verstappen, initially less prominent, began to find pace as his fuel load decreased and track conditions improved. He closed in on the Ferraris, even setting his fastest lap towards the end of the race.
Hamilton pitted, aiming to chase Verstappen on fresher tires, a decision that might have contributed to his later disqualification.
The hard tires exceeded expectations, with Piastri describing their performance as `better than expected`.
Two-stop strategies, like Hamilton`s, didn`t pay off.
Norris faced a brake issue in the final lap but managed to hold off Russell to secure second place. This result marked McLaren`s 50th one-two finish, highlighting their current momentum.
Intense battles occurred further down the field, with drivers like Lawson and Doohan under pressure to perform.
Fernando Alonso retired for the second race in a row due to a brake problem.
Ferrari`s Disqualification and Aftermath
The post-race shock was the disqualification of both Ferraris and Gasly`s Alpine. Leclerc and Gasly were disqualified for being underweight, likely due to tire wear and high fuel consumption in the fast, safety car-free race. Even replacing Leclerc`s damaged wing didn`t bring his car back to the minimum weight, indicating a team miscalculation.
Hamilton`s car was disqualified for excessive skid block wear, a rule to prevent teams from running cars too low and damaging floors. This will be particularly painful for Ferrari, especially in the Italian media, despite their Sprint victory.
Antonelli, despite floor damage, finished a solid race, eventually promoted to sixth after disqualifications, and surprisingly voted driver of the day by fans.
Other drivers benefiting from the disqualifications included Verstappen, Ocon, Bearman, Albon, Sainz, and Stroll, who all gained positions and points.
Norris increased his championship lead over Verstappen, while Piastri closed in, now just 10 points behind. The next race at Suzuka promises intense competition, especially within McLaren.
