Formula 1 returns to China after a five-year absence as the Shanghai International Circuit hosts the fifth race of the 2024 season – and the first of six sprint weekends.
Max Verstappen returned to winning ways last time out in Japan, cruising to another victory and leading home a third Red Bull one-two finish of the season, with team-mate Sergio Perez again second-best.
Carlos Sainz backed up his win in Australia with a third podium of the season, while it was another weekend to forget for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. Since then, Fernando Alonso has signed a new contract at Aston Martin, ending speculation he could replace Hamilton at the Silver Arrows next season.
China was selected as one of six venues to host a sprint weekend by F1 and returns to the calendar after five years following a spree of Covid-related cancellations. Hamilton won the Chinese Grand Prix last time out in 2019 and has been victorious six times in Shanghai.
Follow live coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix with The Independent
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
There’s a whole new situation developing for SQ3. The track is now wet, none of the drivers have prepared for it and they must go as fast as possible to give themselves the best opportunity for tomorrow’s sprint race.
Max Verstappen was quickest in SQ2, will he finish on pole for the sprint race?
Mike Jones19 April 2024 09:06
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
Russell is eliminated! The rain is coming down quite heavily now as Zhou Guanyu sneaks into the top 10 and the watching crowd erupts in applause for their home town hero.
Mike Jones19 April 2024 09:04
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
The rain is starting to get heavier. George Russell is in 11th and needs to set a quicker time to get through. He’s battling with the home favourite Zhou Guanyu who is still out on track as well.
The track has just been declared wet and Russell is slowing down massively. He’s going to be eliminated in this session!
Mike Jones19 April 2024 09:02
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
Zhou Guanyu will be pleased with his time as he flies in above Daniel Ricciardo, both Haas cars, Lance Stroll and even George Russell.
As it stands he’s making it into the final qualifying session. There’s four minutes to go…
Mike Jones19 April 2024 09:00
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
Lando Norris is setting the fastest time in SQ2. He’s through the first two sectors in record time (for this weekend) ans looks set to top the leaderboard…
… yes! Norris crosses the line in 1:36.047. It’s three tenths better than his SQ1 time. His teammate, Oscar Piastri is even quicker as he follows Norris over the line.
Both McLaren’s look good.
Mike Jones19 April 2024 08:58
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
The drivers head onto the circuit for their out laps. Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton are staying in the garages for the time being.
They’re banking on the rain coming later in the session and are prefering to keep their tyres warm before attempting a quick run.
Mike Jones19 April 2024 08:56
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
Charles Leclerc has just been told that the rain is expected to hit at the end of his timed lap in this next session. Due to the earlier fire the cars are sat in the pit lane waiting for the green flag.
SQ2 will be 10 minutes long and the top 10 drivers will make it into the final session.
Mike Jones19 April 2024 08:53
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
As the track management team get the fire under control there is a slight delay before the second qualifying gets started. The weather forecast shows that the rain should hit in force in between the next two sessions.
Mike Jones19 April 2024 08:50
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
Here are the five drivers knocked out from Sprint Qualifying in the first session:
Mike Jones19 April 2024 08:48
Chinese Grand Prix LIVE
At turn 5, the sparks from the cars hitting the apex have set the circuit side grass alight once more and there’s another fire been started.
It’s one to keep an eye on as it may causes issues for the next qualifying session.
Mike Jones19 April 2024 08:47