After 5 long years, thanks to the Covid pandemic, the Chinese Grand Prix has finally returned to the Formula One calendar, and with it, brings the first Sprint Race Weekend of the season.
Although, not necessarily, the most interesting of racing circuits, the Shanghai International Circuit has been missed during it's absence from F1. Whether it's because of the influx of street circuits since Liberty Media's takeover, or the fact that it's a tricky layout that can catch out even the smartest of drivers, think Lewis Hamilton in 2007; there has been an eagerness for it's return and now, in 2024, it is here. Unsurprisingly, there were a handful of drivers that were yet to race here until this weekend and, thanks to the added Sprint race shenanigans, with only one practice session, plenty of action was to be expected.
Ok, we're not all fans of Sprint races, but from start to finish there was something to talk about. Take Lando Norris' treacherous start that saw him go wide in turn one, losing the lead and dropping down the order in the process. Or, the lap sixteen battle between Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc. A fantastic battle that tested the incredible attack and defense skills of each driver. A small touch between Alonso and Sainz would mark the beginning of the end for the former, marking a DNF for damage. For Perez and Leclerc, it was like a win, with both taking advantage, moving up the field in the process. Surely Perez's move on Alonso and Sainz could vouch for Overtake of the Year thus far? Regardless, as for the winner, that was Max Verstappen. Even a DRS train couldn't keep the triple World Champ at bay...
Yep, DRS Trains. One of the bains of F1's existence and something that this track is notorious for causing. Surprisingly, despite long DRS Trains in the Sprint, they barely made a appearance in the Grand Prix, itself, with DRS doing it's job good and proper, causing numerous "argy bargy" moments that gave us some interesting talking points. Take the final hairpin as an example. In the Sprint we saw the two Ferrari's of Leclerc and Sainz get their elbows out with each other. In the Grand Prix, there were similar instances there once again. However, the end of a DRS activation zone didn't lead to every "argy bargy" moment.
One collision that occurred outside of DRS was between Lance Stroll and Daniel Ricciardo towards the end of a Safety Car period. Not only did this begin a chain reaction of further events, it also opened a can worms, once again, in Stroll's capabilities as a Formula One driver. With the Canadian consistently unable to match his team mate, Fernando Alonso, and instead find himself fighting for non-point paying positions or trying to stay out of the wall/other cars, the question of whether it is time for Stroll to be replaced resurfaces again. Although, looking back at the incident in which Stroll found himself rear ending Ricciardo going into the hairpin, it's easy to see why people are quick to blame the Aston Martin driver. But, with cars in front backing up, there was no where for Stroll to go. Regardless, one could argue he should have reacted quicker and should have been looking in the right direction...
Despite Stroll's antics resulting in a DNF for Ricciardo and a ten second "what a joke" penalty for himself, the Canadian did, at one point, keep us on our toes as he went wheel to wheel with the Haas of Kevin Magnussen. With two aggressive drivers going head to head, the chances of it all ending in tears was pretty high. Nevertheless, they raced fair and square for several laps, until Stroll won the battle. It's just a shame that it was for the final positions and not for the lead... Not the best look for the "pinnacle of motorsport," may I add.
Stroll was't the only driver to receive a penalty during this race. Ironically, Magnussen was another. He took out Yuki Tsunoda (a double RB DNF) after acting the reckless optimist and sending one down the inside. It was ten seconds for the Dane. Logan Sargeant in the Williams also found himself in hot water after a safety car infringement. And all this a result from the first safety car because of Valtteri Bottas' mechanical failure that would lead to a DNF.
In similar scenarios to last time out in Japan, this race was heavily influenced by strategy and Safety Cars. A great start from Alonso saw him, momentarily, challenge for the lead. But, a decision to throw on the Soft tyre early on meant a further pitstop. He eventually finished 7th. Those who started the race on the Softs found that they were not quick, Lewis Hamilton being one of them. After starting from a miserable 18th, the expectation was that the multiple World Champ would fly through the field. That was not to be with a car that wasn't excelling come race day. Sergio Perez and the Ferraris were others to struggle on a strategy that was aced by others. But, after "bottling" the Sprint Race they day before, it would be Lando Norris to take full advantage of Safety Cars, jumping not one but two cars, finishing on the podium in second place - something we've become accustomed to seeing. It's no surprise to see that he was voted "Driver of the Day." How long will it be until he wins his first race?
At the end of the day, this was another of Verstappen's races. His first win in China, believe it or not. But this is his era, just like Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso, Schumacher etc, who have all dominated seasons in the past. It's a part of Formula One that comes with the technical side of who can make the best car. His teammate, Perez, is good, but Verstappen can do things with that car that others only dream about. It's a shame that some fans are so blind sided by hate they can't appreciate what we are witnessing.
Before I wrap things up, the real winners of this weekend were Alex Albon's helmet and the home favourite Zhou Guanyu. Albon's lid was pure genius and worked wonders on certain camera views. As for Zhou, this crowd loved seeing a Chinese driver racing on home turf. He is their hero, and Zhou's emotions say it all.
Next up, Miami. See you then!
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