Mercedes Dominates Opening Practice in Shanghai

Mercedes sent a strong signal in the only practice session before the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, locking out the top two positions with George Russell leading rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli. The Silver Arrows finished comfortably ahead of the McLarens, while reigning champion Max Verstappen struggled down in eighth for Red Bull.

Why it matters:

With just one hour of practice to set up the cars for the all-important Sprint Qualifying later today, Mercedes' immediate pace is a significant statement of intent. It suggests the team has hit the ground running with its 2026-spec car at a circuit returning to the calendar, potentially disrupting the expected competitive order for the weekend's first competitive session.

The details:

• Mercedes 1-2: George Russell set the benchmark with a 1:32.741, just over a tenth ahead of Kimi Antonelli (1:32.861), demonstrating strong one-lap performance from both drivers.
• McLaren Best of the Rest: Lando Norris was the closest challenger, but his best time of 1:33.296 was over half a second adrift of Russell. Oscar Piastri followed in fourth.
• Red Bull Off the Pace: World Champion Max Verstappen could only manage eighth, nearly two seconds off the leading pace. Teammate Isack Hadjar was 13th, indicating a possible setup struggle for the team.
• Ferrari's Mixed Session: Charles Leclerc was a solid fifth, but Lewis Hamilton was over half a second behind his teammate in sixth, suggesting work to do on car balance.
• Rookie Trouble: Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad completed the fewest laps and stopped on track with a technical issue, hampering his crucial track time.

What's next:

All eyes turn to Sprint Qualifying, where teams have minimal data to refine their setups. Mercedes' practice dominance makes them favorites for the SQ1 shootout, but the true picture will only emerge under qualifying conditions. The session will test whether Red Bull's lack of pace is a genuine concern or a strategic sandbag, and if McLaren or Ferrari can close the gap.

Full Practice 1 Results: 1. Russell (Mercedes) 1:32.741; 2. Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.120; 3. Norris (McLaren) +0.555; 4. Piastri (McLaren) +0.731; 5. Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.858; 6. Hamilton (Ferrari) +1.388; 7. Bearman (Haas) +1.685; 8. Verstappen (Red Bull) +1.800; 9. Hulkenberg (Audi) +1.898; 10. Gasly (Alpine) +1.935.