After Suzuka Formula 1 is preparing for the big return to China. Since the last edition held here, a lot has happened in 2019, in the world but also in the category. For the first time in 5 years the Shanghai track will host Formula 1 cars again despite these being completely different from the previous ones. The pandemic has given no respite to the Asian continent since 2020. After that year, 3 editions of the Chinese Grand Prix were removed from the calendar, postponing the debut of the ground effect single-seaters. China is finally ready to host a Grand Prix again. Among the many unknowns is that of returning to a track that hasn't seen action for years. Even for the drivers, among those who have already raced there, it will be difficult to become familiar with this track again. To make matters worse the Chinese GP was chosen as the first event to host the Sprint format. Format that includes only one free practice session. The combination of all these things worries the drivers and teams quite a bit as they prepare to face a challenging weekend.
Pilots sound the alarm
As reported RaceFans several drivers expressed their doubts about the unknowns of the Sprint weekend in China. One of these is Max Verstappen who has never appreciated the Sprint format. Together with him, Sainz and Perez spoke at the press conference about the critical points linked to the return to China, and above all to the presence of the Sprint race. The main concern, says Sainz, is linked to the little time available to prepare for the weekend. In fact, in the Sprint format there is only one free practice session, on Friday. A single session to become familiar with the track and to find the ideal set-up to avoid problems with wear of the planks. A factor that would lead to disqualification, as happened to Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in Austin last season.
Furthermore, Sainz expressed concern about the resurfacing work on the track, fearing an unpredictable level of grip. Sergio Perez added that problems with any loose manhole covers could further compromise the weekend, as has already happened on previous occasions such as Las Vegas and Bahrain.
“What we said in the drivers' briefing, we reported to the FIA and F1 – says Sainz. I don't think it's a right choice to race a Sprint on a circuit that hasn't been raced on for five years. You have to consider that we only have an hour of free practice before moving on to qualifying. With the regulations they put on us, with the wear of the boards and things like that it becomes difficult.”
The teams will still be able to get their hands on the single-seaters after the Sprint, because the parc fermé rule has changed this season.
Sergio Perez also joined the chorus and commented: “I just hope there are no problems with the track, manholes, problems like that. This would only put us out of sync. For the show, that's probably a good thing. But I think from a preparation point of view, it will definitely be really difficult. I've never raced there, for example with Red Bull, so there will be a lot to do in a single practice session.”
