For the first time since 2019, Formula 1 will visit the Shanghai International Circuit for the Chinese Grand Prix for the 5th round of the Formula 1 calendar. For the first time this year, we’ll have more racing, as this weekend is in a Sprint Format. Drivers will have only 1 free practice to perfect their setup, and already on the Friday afternoon, they will partake in the Sprint Qualifying.
Chinese Grand Prix schedule
Friday, april 19th
11:30-12:30 – Free Practice 1
15:30 – 16:20 – Sprint Qualifying
Saturday, April 20th
11:00 – 12:00 – Sprint
15:00 – 16:00 Qualifying
Sunday, April 21st
15:00 – 17:00 Race
Chinese Grand Prix potential strategy
It’s difficult to predict the strategy for the race, due to lack of data from the last couple years. There are some corners, which are quite demanding, especially to the front tyres, so it’s likely that teams will opt for a safer approach of a two stop, with a potential to extend the stint and go for a one stop. What is more, the Shanghai circuit is different to the race tracks we have seen so far in the calendar.
As X.com user “Formula Timer” shared their data on the track similarity, Sakhir is the closest circuit by characteristics, but it’s still a completely different track. McLaren openly admitted that their car may be struggling on this circuit, and Nico Hülkenberg said that he has good memories and likes the track, so his performance may be overperforming once again.
F1 Blast team prediction
In this section, we’ll be presenting our 5 predictions for the race, based on the knowledge and experience. We encourage you to share your predictions in the comments
- Fernando Alonso will outqualify both McLarens for the Sunday race
- Nico Hulkenberg will qualify in top 12
- Logan Sargeant will bin his car in one of the sessions
- Lewis Hamilton will finish in TOP 5 both, sprint and race
- Daniel Ricciardo will finish at least 3 positions above Yuki Tsunoda
