Max Verstappen heads into the Chinese Grand Prix seeking improvements after a challenging Australian race, whereas the Formula 1 paddock prepares for the first Sprint weekend of the season.
Verstappen, fresh off a second-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix, acknowledges significant unknowns as the series arrives in Shanghai. The reigning World Champion was surprised to qualify third after a difficult Friday practice, but views his podium finish as a positive starting point. He’s now focused on understanding how his Red Bull car will adapt to the unique conditions at the Shanghai International Circuit.
“There are a lot of unknowns, I would say,” Verstappen explained. “Of course, This represents quite a different layout and we have different, fresh tarmac here now. It’s a Sprint weekend, so not a lot of time to adapt, so we will have to see how the car is going to respond to that. I hope that it will be in a good window and then we will try to do the best job we can.”
The Dutchman also addressed the strong performance of McLaren in Melbourne, led by race winner Lando Norris. While acknowledging McLaren’s speed and competitiveness, Verstappen remains focused on optimizing his own car’s performance. “I think it will be tough in general, given that they are very fast, very competitive, very all-round,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I don’t really think about that too much. I just aim for to focus on our own car.”
The Chinese Grand Prix weekend begins on Thursday, March 12th, with media day and the first of two FIA Press Conferences. Verstappen is scheduled to participate in the second press conference alongside Gabriel Bortoleto and Alex Albon. The first session will feature Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly. The full press conference schedule is available here.
Team representatives, including Steve Nielsen (Alpine), Jonathan Wheatley (Audi), and Laurent Mekies (Red Bull), will also hold a press conference on Friday between FP1 and Sprint Qualifying. The weekend will also include press conferences for the top three drivers in both the Sprint and Qualifying sessions, culminating in a post-race conference on Sunday.
Cool and stable weather conditions are expected throughout the Sprint weekend in Shanghai, according to Motorsport.com. The FIA has also confirmed that travel issues impacting some teams have been addressed.
Verstappen is looking to build momentum as the season progresses, hoping to be more competitive in China. He expressed his ambition to be more involved in the fight for the lead during the upcoming race.
The return of the Chinese Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar marks a significant event for the sport, offering a new challenge for teams and drivers alike. Verstappen acknowledges the unique challenges posed by the track and the Sprint format, emphasizing the need for quick adaptation.
The Telegraaf reports that Verstappen is focused on making improvements for the race.
RacingNews365 details that the FIA has addressed travel concerns ahead of the event.
NU provides the full schedule for the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
