Image: from Holiness X @F1BigData
By Open Chronicle Sports Desk
SHANGHAI – George Russell and Mercedes have signaled they remain the team to beat in the 2026 Formula 1 season. During the only free practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix this Friday, the British driver clocked the fastest time, reinforcing the momentum gained from his season-opening victory in Australia.
In a weekend governed by the Sprint format, where track time is a precious commodity, Russell recorded a lap of 1’32.741, leading a Mercedes 1-2 finish alongside his rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli. Antonelli pushed the lead throughout the session but finished just over a tenth of a second behind the veteran.
Strategic Challenges and Technical Updates: The session was far from smooth for the grid. Early drama saw Franco Colapinto spin off-track, followed by an unusual rotation from Lewis Hamilton, who struggled with rear-axle locking, a recurring issue for several teams since the Australian GP. Tensions flared when Hamilton and Lando Norris made light contact during a flying lap, scattering debris and triggering a brief yellow flag.
George Russell leads the way in Final Practice, ahead of the Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc 👀
Here's your full classification from FP3 ⬇️#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/Y6x7Wx5GVY
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 7, 2026
Ferrari turned heads by unveiling a bold aerodynamic package. The Italian squad introduced a new rear wing, internally dubbed the “Macarena,” designed to minimize drag on Shanghai’s notorious long straights. Despite the upgrades, Charles Leclerc’s final attempt was thwarted when he ran wide at the last corner, leaving him in fifth place.
The Power Unit Puzzle: Technical scrutiny remained high regarding the new hybrid power units. After complaints in Melbourne about drivers needing to “lift and coast” to recharge batteries, engineers watched closely to see how the systems handled Shanghai’s extended flat-out sections.
Mid-Field and Rookie Watch: Lando Norris managed to jump to third in the closing minutes using soft tires, followed closely by teammate Oscar Piastri. Meanwhile, Brazilian hopeful Gabriel Bortoleto finished in 12th for Audi. Bortoleto’s session was focused on data gathering, as his car was coated in “flow-vis” paint for much of the morning to map airflow, a move that sacrificed outright speed for long-term development.
The session was also interrupted by a Virtual Safety Car after Arvid Lindblad’s car suffered a mechanical failure, halting the progress of several drivers on qualifying simulations.
As the sun sets on the first day in Shanghai, teams have only a few hours to process data before the high-stakes Sprint Shootout. With Mercedes looking untouchable and Ferrari’s “Macarena” wing yet to show its full potential, the battle for the front row remains wide open.
FP1 Results – Chinese Grand Prix:
1) George Russell (Mercedes) 1’32.741 – 28 voltas
2) Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 1’32.861 – 29
3) Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) 1’33.296 – 28
4) Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes) 1’33.472 – 27
5) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 1’33.599 – 27
6) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 1’34.129 – 25
7) Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari) 1’34.426 – 27
8) Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Red Bull Ford) 1’34.541 – 24
9) Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) 1’34.639 – 26
10) Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Mercedes) 1’34.676 – 27
11) Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Red Bull Ford) 1’34.773 – 28
12) Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) 1’34.828 – 25
13) Isack Hadjar (Red Bull/Red Bull Ford) 1’34.856 – 25
14) Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari) 1’34.877 – 24
15) Franco Colapinto (Alpine/Mercedes) 1’34.947 – 25
16) Alexander Albon (Williams/Mercedes) 1’35.480 – 30
17) Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes) 1’35.679 – 17
18) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Honda) 1’35.856 – 18
19) Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac/Ferrari) 1’36.057 – 24
20) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin/Honda) 1’37.224 – 20