Another short break for F1, but now it's back to racing. The queen category of motorsport returns to a circuit historical. His participation was denied for 4 years in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This week, she returns to Shanghai, IN China, let's discover the secrets of the circuit, a great unknown for the teams.
After 5 years we return to China: let's see the history of the Shanghai circuit
The Shanghai circuit is a permanent track located on the outskirts of the Chinese metropolis. Opened in 2004, it is long 5451 meters, Presents 16 curves e 2 DRS zones. The first of the latter on the main straight, the second between 13 and 14. This stretch, long more than 1 km, represents one of the longest straights of the entire calendar.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the track was immediately appreciated a lot by the drivers. One in particular, however, seems to have this route very close to his heart. Lewis Hamilton, in fact, has the most wins in Shanghai, well 6. What makes this number great is that the second more Winning in China they are Fernando Alonso e Nico Rosberg, with sun 2 victories. Among the builders, Mercedes in front of everyone with 6, followed by Ferrari with 4, McLaren with 3, Red Bull with 2 e Renault with 1.
The absolute record of the circuit is Sebastian Vettel in 1'31 "095. The one in the race instead belongs to Michael Schumacher in 1'32 "238, scored on the legendary F2004.
In China we start from scratch: new cars and Sprint weekends
From 2019 to today many things have changed in Formula 1. New ground effect cars were conceived, and the size of the tires increased from 13 to 18 inches. This means there is no real data to rely on. Furthermore, the format that also includes the Sprint Race. This will lead to the reduction of free practices from 3 sessions to one. The weather that could reveal itself crazy will be another unknown on this race weekend.
Undercut and a lethal mix of corners: these are the crucial characteristics of the circuit
As found at Suzuka, the card ofundercut it can be lethal for those who suffer it. Stopping early and doing a monster lap to get out ahead of your opponent will be a widely used strategy in China too.
The circuit also offers a mix of slow corners (1, 2, 3 and even 14) and some medium-high speed corners (7, 8, 13). On the straight after turn 13 high speeds will be reached regardless of the set-up used. For this reason, teams should opt for a setup medium-high load. The more adventurous could also try a medium load setup, but it would be a big gamble.
Verstappen also the favorite in China, Ferrari and McLaren for the podium
It's time for predictions. A race with little data and many unknowns, but the favorite is always and only him: Max Verstappen. The Dutchman comes from dominating the Japanese race, and will undoubtedly want to repeat himself in China too. Behind him, it will probably be a 5-way battle for the podium. Sergio Perez he will have to prove himself up to his task, that is, squire of SuperMax. The two Ferrari they will want to confirm themselves more and more second force and who knows, maybe even place some 2 on the podium. Slightly behind we find McLaren, who is looking for revenge after missing the podium in Japan. The English team will therefore try to tease the two giants in front, in the hope of even just the slightest mistake.
ARTICLE BY FRANCESCO ORLANDO
