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Tyres NorthamptonMax Verstappen will look to win again after bouncing back from his Australian setback with a Japanese GP victory. The race is one of the few that the Dutchman hasn't reached the top step of the podium at, but he hasn't had any opportunity to since Red Bull's ascent to dominance. However, with China holding the record for the most overtakes in a dry race, it might not be so simple for the reigning champion.
Sprint means things look different across Friday and Saturday, and Formula 1's changes to accommodate the 100km race in 2024 see a fourth revision for Sprint in as many years. Friday's FP1 and Sprint qualifying precede Saturday's Sprint and Qualifying for the Grand Prix, with the Grand Prix remaining as the headline event on Sunday.
Although these five sessions are the same as 2023, just in another order, there are consequences of the revised schedule. Two parc fermé periods will prevent teams from making any setup changes to their car overnight from Friday to Saturday and then again from Saturday to Sunday. As a result, any lessons learned from Sprint can now have drivers request setup improvements ahead of Qualifying and the Grand Prix.
A solitary Free Practice session is always troublesome for teams to handle during Sprint. Without any data from China since 2019, when the sport used wholly different regulations, that reduced running is even more problematic. There'll be a lot of on-the-spot learning for all involved during the Chinese GP's three days, especially for the drivers who have never driven there: Guanyu Zhou, Oscar Piastri, Logan Sargeant, and Yuki Tsunoda.
Pirelli brings the midrange tyre compounds to Shanghai: the C2, C3, and C4 will be available. It's a safe bet from the Italian manufacturer as there is no relevant data to draw from since F1's last visit had the cars running 13-inch wheels. Track evolution will play a factor, too, as the 20 drivers add rubber to the infrequently used surface.
There is a lot of work for the tyres, thanks to a back straight over a kilometre long and an infield of nearly endless corners. The 5.451km track will provide a tyre strategy challenge for teams, especially with one fewer set of tyres available due to Sprint's appearance.
Only a brake failure has denied Verstappen victory in 2024, so the three-time champion will be the favourite to win in China. Sergio Perez has followed his teammate over the line in each triumph, making it three Red Bull 1-2 finishes from four rounds. Might the Mexican find some extra speed to reverse the order in Shanghai?
Carlos Sainz is the other 2024 victor, and appears the best driver outside of Red Bull Racing this year. The Spaniard heads into China with one fewer 2025 option as Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin last week. Another strong showing from Sainz would represent a timely reminder to top teams that his signature is available.
Yet Sainz's replacement at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, has the most Chinese GP wins. The British driver has six Shanghai victories but will need to see Mercedes make up a lot of ground if he wants that number to increase to seven. The Silver Arrows are not enjoying 2024, leaving Ferrari and McLaren to bring the fight to Red Bull at the front.
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After the extra early alarm clocks in Australia and Japan, it's only a regularly early start for Saturday and Sunday's Qualifying and Grand Prix. There's bad news if you'd like to see the Sprint race live, however...
Sprint - On air: 3:00 AM, Session start: 4 AM Saturday 20th April
Qualifying – On air: 7:45 AM, Session start: 8 AM Saturday 20th April
Race – On air: 6:30 AM, Session start: 8 AM Sunday 21st April
Sprint & Qualifying – Highlights: 12:15 PM Saturday 20th April
Race – Highlights: 12:30 PM Sunday 21st April
2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix Weather Forecast
Qualifying/Race – There are warm temperatures with highs of 25°C for Sprint and Qualifying, while the Grand Prix has overcast skies and highs of 21°C. A low chance of rain is around all weekend but is unlikely to affect any racing.