Formula 1 remains in the East. But, more importantly, he returns to China after a four-year exile that began with the outbreak of the epidemic. Shanghai is the pearl of the largest market in the world and the Circus, as we know, is very attracted to business. In the large metropolis there is also the opportunity to evaluate the new “sprint” weekend format at the first seasonal performance. Tonight, before dawn in Europe, the only hour of free practice will take place. Then, at cappuccino time (9.30am, live on Sky), the stopwatch will begin in earnest with the “Sprint Qualifying” to establish the starting order of the race that will start tomorrow morning (5.00am, again live on Sky) before qualifying for the actual grand prix scheduled for 9am.
Preparations took place yesterday with the various interviews and the traditional reconnaissance of the track which could also be carried out on foot. This immediately sparked some apprehension about a mix that could prove explosive. Added to the typical characteristics of this year’s tyres, which are very delicate when it comes to temperature especially for the fast lap, is the short time for the test and, last but not least, the treatment that the locals have given to their track. The surface was not resurfaced, but the technicians intervened with some substance to rejuvenate the areas in the path, making them very dark. Someone suggested that it could happen like in Turkey in 2020 when it seemed like we were running on soap.
Or, less seriously, areas could be created on the roadway of differentiated grip such as to further complicate the set-up and, perhaps, generate “graining” which Ferrari has shown it does not suffer from already in Melbourne. In short, it could be an advantage for the red team… Staying close to the Maranello hospitality venue fibrillates the strange atmosphere that has been created this year. On the one hand, the “killed” pilot who proved to be by far the best at the wheel of the SF-24. On the other hand, the predestined, confirmed to keep Hamilton company, who didn’t understand much with the 2024 mix, so much so that he had difficulties in his specialty which has always been qualifying.
Charles, with the Vasseur treatment, has certainly improved on a character level and communicative, and has no hesitation in admitting his own difficulties and the merits of his teammate loaded like a spring to get the best single-seater on the market. “What happen? – Leclerc asked himself – nothing special. I think it’s simple because Carlos is doing a better job. In Bahrain it was difficult to make comparisons because objectively I had problems. However, I have no difficulty in recognizing that in the last two races Carlos has been stronger. Now it’s up to me to work, especially in qualifying to put together a good lap. He is riding at a very high level, but I’m not worried, I think I can improve quickly.”
The Spaniard himself is at the center of the good hurricane and declared that all the best seats are still free. He refers to Red Bull and Mercedes, clearly, but Helmut Marko, confirming the interest in the Iberian, puts forward another theory. Audi, which will enter with great fanfare in 2026, seems to have made “an unparalleled offer” to the boy from Madrid, taking advantage of the relationship with his father. From an economic point of view, clearly, because the technical depth is still to be demonstrated.
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