Race Review: Chinese Sprint Race and Grand Prix 2024

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!

F1 Sprint Weekend: How Does It Work?

Like them or not, F1 Sprint Weekends are here for another Formula One season. And, with the series’ bosses adamant on making this “marmite” addition to the racing weekend work, more changes have yet again been made to perfectly fit them in and around the main action of a Formula One Grand Prix weekend.

Since the “inaugural” Sprint at the British Grand Prix in 2021, as a means to replace qualifying as we knew it; the sprint has gone through a mass evolution, eventually becoming a stand alone event within a Grand Prix weekend at the start of the 2023 season. It would be in this season that the Sprint Shootout (qualifying for the Sprint race) was also introduced. But, is there really a need for these additions to an already busy race weekend and season? According to formulaone.com, yes, yes there is. They say “the Sprint weekend delivers more bang for your back,” and “guarantees meaningful action every day.” Regardless of their own opinion, it’s still a struggle to convince the long-term F1 fan that this is could be the future of Grand Prix racing.

In 2024, Formula One are taking another step forward in trying to make the sprint weekends the best they can be. But, how exactly are they doing this? Well, you’re in the right place to find out!

In terms of sprint race rules and regulations, there isn’t many, if any, changes as we go into the first sprint weekend of 2024. The Sprint Shootout will now be known as Sprint Qualifying and, like last season, sets the grid for the Sprint Race while following the same qualifying format as regular qualifying, bar it being slightly shorter. As for the Sprint itself, it’s still the same old 100km race (sans pitstops) to the line. F1 says: “the length of the Sprint is intended to promote a dash that is dynamic rather than strategic, with an emphasis on attacking.” Both teams and drivers are awarded with points from 1st to 8th, all of which goes towards their respective championships.

In 2024, the biggest change we’re experiencing to Sprint Weekends is the format. In 2023, Saturday was Sprint Day, with both the shootout and the race taking place. There would be only one Free Practice session, as well normal qualifying, that would both take place on the Friday. The main Grand Prix event remained in it’s traditional Sunday spot. However, this didn’t necessarily work, or have the desired outcome that Formula One was searching for. Not to mention, the questionable race weekend schedule that saw a considerable gap between qualifying and the Grand Prix. So, in a move which may be more suited to fans, teams, drivers and F1 personnel alike; Friday is now the new home of the Sprint Qualifying session, taking place after the only Free Practice session of the weekend. On Saturday, in place on Free Practice 3, is the Sprint Race, meaning it’s all over before focus is then reset and everyone’s priority is qualifying and the Grand Prix, itself. This does, in theory, make much more sense.

With the format sorted, it does leaves the question as to which race weekends get the honour (?) of becoming a Sprint Race Weekend. Well, it all kicks off this weekend in China - a track F1 hasn’t visited since pre-COVID days. Then it’s on to Miami and Austria in the first half of the 2024 season, followed by USA, Brazil and Qatar in the second.

“Venues chosen for Sprint events are all circuits that have great overtaking potential.” - Formula One

Oh, and one more thing. There is always that question mark surrounding penalties, specifically grid penalties, when it comes to the Sprint. When should they be applied? Does it effect the Sprint or the Grand Prix? Here is your answer:

“In terms of how grid penalties will be applied across F1 Sprint weekends, any grid penalties incurred in first practice or Qualifying will apply to the race.Grid penalties incurred in Sprint Qualifying will apply to the Sprint; while any grid penalties incurred in the Sprint will apply to the race.” - Formula One

Confused yet?

Regardless, whether we're fans of the sprint or not, Formula One Management, Liberty Media, the FIA, as well as all the other guys and girls at the top, are still pretty convinced that it already has the desired effect of more on-track action. In reality, they're not wrong, not really. So, in hindsight, it's not going anywhere soon. The new format will definitely be something to keep an eye on. Will it appeal more to the long-term audience now, or is it still a "new fan" type of thing? That's a chat for another day.

Are you looking forward to the Sprint races this season?

Opinion: Ricciardo vs Tsunoda - Who Will Win The Inter-Team Battle in 2024?

It’s still early days into the 2024 season, and already there is plenty of gossip surrounding the teammate battle down at RB. With Daniel Ricciardo’s experience and expertise, would you really believe that he’s trailing behind the younger, less experienced driver that is Yuki Tsunoda? Well, you’d better had believe it because RB’s inter-team battle is shaping up to be a good one.

Since Ricciardo’s abrupt return to Formula One half-way through last season, replacing a “displaced” Nyck de Vries; 2024 has since been perceived as an “audition” for the 8-time Grand Prix winner, as he eyes a return to the main Red Bull team; Red Bull Racing. However, it’s plain to see that 2024 isn’t going Ricciardo’s way, with three non-point scoring finishes and a DNF. As for his teammate; Tsunoda, it’s a different story; with the Japanese driver looking more refined in 2024. He currently leads Ricciardo 4-0 in qualifying and 3-1 in the race.

Naturally, in the world of Formula One, this has led to many the speculation about Ricciardo’s future in the sport. And, it isn’t the first time for the Australian either. Since his shock departure from Red Bull at the end of the 2018 season, Ricciardo’s Formula One performance has since been on a downhill spiral, abruptly hitting a dead end at the end of 2022 when he was dropped from the McLaren team, whom he raced for since 2021. After sitting out the first half of the 2023 season, a return to the Red Bull family was perceived as a saving grace for Ricciardo. Unfortunately, it’s turning out to be anything but.

It’s an interesting thought, however, to decipher as to why Ricciardo is having so many issues with his performances. Some say he’s been unlucky, with a string of underperforming cars. Others say his time in the sport is coming to an end, with the Australian struggling with mentality and confidence, and no longer able to compete with his younger counterparts. Either way, it’s a shame to see a driver of Ricciardo’s calibre experience such a dip in performance. Will he come out of it before it’s too late? Especially with Liam Lawson waiting ever so patiently in the wings.

As already discussed, Tsunoda, apart from maybe his overly animated radio messages, is doing everything right in 2024 thus far, and is even catching the attention of other teams which could further prolong his Formula One career - something that has been doubted in the past. With Honda soon joining forces with Aston Martin from 2026, a season consistently out-performing Ricciardo is everything that young Yuki needs. Could we see him in green in the near future?

Still there is a long road ahead, to not just 2026, but also the end of the 2024 season. With, 20 races let to run, anything can happen, including Ricciardo finding some kind of form once again. Until then, it’s looking like the year of Yuki; a young driver finally finding his feet in a sport that ends so many racing careers. A refreshing sight that is indeed.