Update: 20/04/2024 10:58
Issued by: 20/04/2024, 10:55
Shanghai – Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the sprint and qualifying for the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix. He beat Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton by more than 13 seconds in the shortened 19-kilometer race, with his teammate Sergio Pérez third. In subsequent qualifying for Sunday’s main event, the reigning world champion and overall leader beat Pérez by 322 thousandths of a second. Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin took third place.
Twenty-six-year-old Verstappen dominated the first sprint of the season after starting from fourth place. At the beginning he defended himself from Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, but later he got up to speed and overtook Fernando Alonso and Hamilton. He thus increased his lead in the World Championship over Pérez to 15 points.
“The first laps were a bit hectic. They were going full speed at the front and I had Carlos behind me on the new tires. It was difficult. But later we improved and I already felt better in the car,” said Verstappen in front of the TV cameras.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton was also satisfied. “It’s probably my best result in a long time. I’m very happy and grateful. We can’t compete with Red Bull, but this is a huge step and improvement,” said Hamilton.
In the end, the fans were also amused by the mass battle of four riders for third place. Alonso first clashed with Sainz for the podium. But Pérez benefited from their duel, who overtook both rivals at once and maintained his position until the finish line.
“Carlos and Fernando were fighting each other and we were all wearing out the tires a lot. In addition, I had to defend myself from Charles (Leclerc). At one point Fernando and Carlos got a little closer, I saw a chance and went for it,” recounted Pérez.
His teammate Leclerc also got ahead of Sainz after a hard fight. Alonso did not finish the sprint due to a puncture. “I think he (Sainz) went a little over the limit today. But I’ve also crossed this line sometimes before. And when it happens, we normally talk about it. I’m not afraid that it wouldn’t happen this weekend,” Leclerc said.
McLaren’s Lando Norris was also disappointed. The winner of Friday’s qualification paid the price for a bad start. After him, he fought with Hamilton, went off the track and dropped to seventh place. He eventually finished sixth. Close to the first point of the season was Sauber’s home driver Chou Kuan-yue, who was ninth. The last point for eighth place went to Mercedes’ George Russell.
Qualifying also took place under the direction of Verstappen, who also won pole position in the fifth event of the season. A similar feat was last achieved in 1999 by Finn Mikko Häkkinen. The Dutchman claimed his 37th qualifying triumph and will attack in the race for his 58th career victory. For Red Bull, this is the jubilee 100th pole position in history.
Hamilton didn’t do well in the sprint, he didn’t even get out of the first part of qualifying and finished eighteenth. Domestic Chou Kuan-yu was just two rungs ahead of him.
Sunday’s race will start at 9:00 CEST.
Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai:
Sprint: 1. Verstappen (Netherlands/Red Bull) 32:04.660, 2. Hamilton (Brit./Mercedes) -13.043, 3. Pérez (Mex./Red Bull) -15.258, 4. Leclerc (Mon./Ferrari) -17.486 , 5. Sainz (Sp./Ferrari) -20.696, 6. Norris (Brit./McLaren) -22.088.
WC standings: 1. Verstappen 85, 2. Pérez 70, 3. Leclerc 64, 4. Sainz 59, 5. Norris 40, 6. Piastri (Aust./McLaren) 34.
Constructors’ Cup: 1. Red Bull 155, 2. Ferrari 129, 3. McLaren 74, 4. Mercedes 42, 5. Aston Martin 33, 6. Racing Bulls 7.
Qualification for the main race: 1. Verstappen 1:33.660, 2. Pérez -0.322, 3. Alonso (Sp./Aston Martin) -0.488, 4. Norris -0.505, 5. Piastri -0.613, 6. Leclerc -0.629.
