Formula 1, Mercedes also get off to a strong start in China. Ferrari in trouble

Mercedes dominance in the first and only free practice session in Shanghai. Pending qualifying for the Sprint Race, the best time of the session was signed by George Russell in 1.32.741, just over a tenth ahead of Kimi Antonelli. Far behind were the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, fifth and sixth with gaps of around a second. Sandwiched between the Silver Arrows and the Ferraris were the McLarens, with Lando Norris ahead of Oscar Piastri.

The Ferrari showed some difficulty in terms of stability, with the Monegasque often struggling with a rather nervous rear end. The day was omplicated for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen only eighth. “Overtaking another car as if it were stationary is not part of the DNA of F1; for me, it’s not Formula 1″. Carlos Sainz didn’t mince words on media day in Shanghai, site of the Chinese GP. The Williams driver sided with those who are clearly criticizing the new era of Formula 1. He is not the first to do so. Max Verstappen, on the subject, has been very harsh. Now it is the turn of the Spaniard who expects, quickly, corrective action from the FIA.

These are all the times:

1 George Russell Mercedes 1:32.741 4
2 Andrea Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +0.120 4
3 Lando Norris McLaren +0.555 4
4 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.731 4
5 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.858 4
6 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +1.388 4
7 Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Team +1.685 4
8 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +1.800 3
9 Nico Hulkenberg Audi +1.898 5
10 Pierre Gasly Alpine +1.935 4
11 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls +2.032 4
12 Gabriel Bortoleto Audi +2.087 3
13 Isack Hadjar Red Bull Racing +2.115 3
14 Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team +2.136 6
15 Franco Colapinto Alpine +2.206 3
16 Alexander Albon Williams +2.739 4
17 Carlos Sainz Williams +2.938 3
18 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +3.115 4
19 Valtteri Bottas Cadillac +3.316 3
20 Lance Strol lAston Martin +4.483 4
21 Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls – – 1
22 Sergio Perez Cadillac +6.459 2