The Chinese Grand Prix is right upon us and will bring the season’s first sprint weekend. The last time F1 was in China, Max Verstappen took both the pole position and P1 in the race. It seems like he may have tough competition this year.
The season opener was a surprise after a wet and unpredictable race in Australia that saw 6 DNFs, Lando Norris winning, and a Williams at P5. Now, the teams are gearing up for the first sprint of the season.
Coming into China, there is an air of unpredictability due to the results from the season opener, however, there isn’t the rain factor to calculate for. The track will be dry and has been recently resurfaced.
McLaren is in top form coming into the Chinese Grand Prix
McLaren missed out on a 1-2 finish in Australia due to a mishap in the rain that saw Piastri run off the track. However, the McLaren driver managed to bring his car back on the track and managed to finish the race on P9. Piastri would be on a mission of vengeance to take back what he lost at his home race and fight for the win or at least a podium. Norris would hope to continue his winning momentum, coming from Melbourne.
Red Bull, on the other hand, has their top dog, Max Verstappen, challenging the McLarens while Liam Lawson is still a variable. The Dutch driver put his Red Bull in P2 while Liam Lawson got a DNF in Australia. The Austrian team would want both of their drivers to be performing in the top 10, otherwise, it might be another lost constructors title.
🏁| Here are the lap times at the end of the Australian Grand Prix!#F1 #AustralianGP pic.twitter.com/JAXpzGWoJE
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 16, 2025
Ferrari did not have the ideal season opener at Melbourne. The Red team could only lock out the 7th and 8th positions for the starting grid. Even during the race, due to strategic mishaps, Ferrari could only manage P8 and P10 and were outscored by Sauber. Going into the Chinese Grand Prix, the prancing horses will look to improve their condition, utilizing the strongest driver lineup on the grid.
Mercedes is another prospect in the top field, with both drivers in form. At Melbourne, they placed both drivers in the top five. A stellar performance by Kimi Antonelli took him from P16 to P4 while George Russell finished on the podium. They will be looking to push themselves further in China, bringing the competition to the top field.
Williams leads the midfield battle coming into China
The midfield is a completely different story from last year with Williams leading the pack. The Oxfordshire-based team dominated the midfield during the Australian Grand Prix. Alex Albon put his Williams in P5 and if it weren’t for Sainz’s crash, the team would’ve had a double-scoring finish. The car and the drivers both look in form and Williams would be looking to continue their midfield lead and maybe even bring the fight to the top field.
Sauber left Melbourne with a smile as Nico Hulkenberg scored more points for the team in one race than they did in the entirety of 2024. While Gabriel Bortoleto did crash, Sauber still managed an impressive finish, putting themselves in sixth in the WCC. The neon greens would look to capitalize on the momentum from Hulkenberg’s drive into China as well.
Aston Martin was the last one in the midfield to score points at Melbourne. Lance Stroll scored a deciding P6 for the Silverstone team. Alonso will be coming to China hoping to do the same.
Changes coming into the Chinese Grand Prix
Several changes are coming into the Chinese Grand Prix including a major change to the track. The Shanghai track has two DRS zones separated by two turns. The first DRS zone that leads into turn 14 has been extended by 75 meters. This change has made it one of the longest DRS zones on the calendar, measuring 1,170 meters.
🇨🇳| A new track surface, a unique layout and the first Sprint Weekend of 2025!
Here is your guide to the Shanghai International Circuit:#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/K8uV9Of8XX
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 20, 2025
There is also a new regulation that will be applied after the Chinese Grand Prix. The so-called ‘mini-DRS’ controversy from the last season is being clamped down on. After Shanghai, F1 teams will be undergoing tougher tests for the rear wing, which can result in disqualifications if the car is deemed illegal.
The Chinese Grand Prix is going to be an exciting endeavour following Australia. First sprint weekend of the year and the teams are looking very strong on all fronts. Fans are in for an exciting weekend, especially since the track and weather will be dry.
