The Chinese Grand Prix returns as Max Verstappen starts on pole and Lewis Hamilton takes to the grid in a lowly 18th after his worst qualifying result since 2017.
Hamilton finished second in Saturday’s F1 Sprint – a result he described as his “best in a long time” – but was brought crashing back down to earth when he was eliminated in the opening phase of qualifying for Sunday’s main event. The seven-time world champion locked up at the penultimate corner on his speediest lap, and he finished in the Q1 knockout zone, leaving only RB’s Yuki Tsunoda and Williams’ Logan Sargeant behind him on the grid.
Verstappen, who is on course to take his fourth consecutive world championship, saw off team-mate Sergio Perez, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso third and Lando Norris fourth – ahead of Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren. Charles Leclerc and Sainz finished sixth and seventh respectively for Ferrari, while George Russell could manage only eighth on a poor afternoon for the Silver Arrows.
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F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 40/56
Here’s the top 10 as we enter the final 15 laps.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:19
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 39/56
Further up, Perez finally overtakes Leclerc at turn six.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:17
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 39/56
Zhou gets a big cheer from the home fans as he takes over Sargeant on the inside.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:16
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 38/56
Verstappen looking comfortable, with almost four seconds for a lead.
Leclerc is a further five seconds off Norris, who’s in second.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:15
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 37/56
Just behind Norris, Perez is less than a second behind Leclerc and is now in DRS range.
The Monegasque is defending well for now though.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:14
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 36/56
Stroll has pitted again and has now heard of the 10-second penalty. He’s not too happy with it as you’d imagine.
Norris, who’s looking comfortable in second, says “no, thank you!” to his team’s suggestion of “more engine braking”. He wants to keep his tyres in shape in the hunt for second place.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:13
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 35/56
Kevin Magnussen also has a 10-second penalty now for causing Tsunoda to spin off earlier. That’s three penalties so far!
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:10
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 34/56
Verstappen is leading by almost two seconds, with Norris in second, Leclerc in third, Perez in fourth and Alonso in fifth.
Ricciardo was complaining about having no grip, and as he pits it’s noted that he only has half a diffuser left.
The Australian is forced to retire.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:09
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 33/56
Ricciardo is struggling here, and he dives into the pits.
Stewards are now looking at both of the earlier incidents involving Magnussen-Tsunoda and Stroll-Ricciardo.
Sargeant will be getting a 10-second penalty for a safety car infringement, and Stroll gets one for causing a collision!
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:08
F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lap 32/56
Hamilton has moved up into 10th place after making a move on Ricciardo during the restart.
It looks like we’re incident-free at the restart, though Hulkenberg and Sargeant are under investigation for something.
Chris Wilson21 April 2024 09:06
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
