F1 returns to Shanghai after five-year absence
● Verstappen favourite but Ferraris show promise ● Alonso staying at Aston Martin until ’26
AFTER five hectic years, Formula One will finally return to China. The race in Shanghai has been suspended over the past few seasons due to the Covid pandemic, but we’re ready to see the lights go out on a circuit that has provided plenty of entertainment since it was added to the F1 calendar in 2004. The layout of the 3.3-mile, 16-corner track is unchanged, but the teams will essentially be treating the Shanghai circuit as an all-new venue, considering that this is the first time the latest ground-effect F1 cars will have raced there.
There might be precious little data for teams to use going into the weekend, but what is certain is that Max Verstappen will still be odds-on favourite to win. The 26-year-old returned to the top step of the podium in Japan last time out, after brake failure ended his Australian Grand Prix early. Verstappen looked in control all weekend and team-mate Sergio Perez managed to pick up some form to secure second place.
So far this season, the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have had the qualifying pace on Saturday to keep the Red Bulls honest, even though Verstappen has secured every pole position. The Ferraris have also managed to keep tyre wear low, which could be vital in Shanghai, where traditionally the relatively rough tarmac has worked tyres harder.
The big news heading into this round is that two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso will extend his stay at Aston Martin until at least the end of 2026. The British team will gain Honda as an engine supplier in that year – a big reason behind Alonso’s decision to stay in Formula One.