After every Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, a unique and engaging digital recap of the race weekend. Our reporter, Gerard Bos, brings you the latest from Shanghai!
PLENTY TO EXPERIENCE IN CHINA
The Grand Prix of China isn’t at the top of many fellow reporters’ lists of favorite races to attend; it’s far away, lacks atmosphere, and obtaining a visa can be a hassle – all true, as I can attest from this edition. However, there’s plenty to experience in Shanghai, both on and off the track, as it turned out.
Not in the vicinity of the circuit, though, which is downright dull. I had been warned about this. Therefore, I opted for the hotel offered by the FIA in downtown Shanghai – one with a media shuttle that takes you to the circuit in forty-five minutes. Or an hour by metro. Yes, that’s a long time. But we’re not in Leeuwarden, Naarden, Harderwijk, Medemblik, or Scheveningen, to name a few random places.
This is Shanghai, a colossal city with around 24 (!) million inhabitants and an area ‘only’ (although) as large as Brabant and Limburg combined. The city buzzes in the evening, but there was also plenty to experience at the circuit during the day. Lewis Hamilton scoring his first Ferrari victory, Max Verstappen’s concern, Esteban Ocon‘s impressive overtaking maneuver; there was no shortage of topics.
So, this Grand Prix was worth it. But the journey there? Even with the media shuttle, it took longer than expected. Sometimes even two hours, due to traffic and drivers who simply got lost. But then again, that in itself also makes for some great stories.
Highlights from Shanghai
Max’s Quote of the Day
“I do feel quite good in the car, as in: comfortable, relaxed even during the qualification. For instance, when I’m about to push for a fast lap. So, maximizing is going well, but we’re too slow. Are we the fourth team? It seems so, yes. Of course, we’re trying to improve the car, but that will take some time.”
Highlights and Lowlights
Who or what stood out? Or, conversely, who fell short? After every Grand Prix, we present the highlights and lowlights of the race weekend! In China, an Australian and a New Zealander take the spotlight!
Highlight: Oscar Piastri
Yes, Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari victory is noteworthy. However, as the Brit himself emphasized in Shanghai on Saturday, it was ‘only’ a sprint race. So, our focus shifts to Oscar Piastri! The Australian proved in China why many in the paddock see him as a future world champion. After securing second place in the sprint race, Piastri achieved his first pole position for a Grand Prix in China on Saturday. The McLaren driver then converted this into a commanding victory on Sunday. Having already been a champion in both F3 and F2, could F1 be next? Lando Norris currently leads in the World Championship, but he should be prepared for a challenge.
FLOP: Liam Lawson
Another exit in Q1, another subpar race. Granted, the New Zealander did finish in China, unlike the week before. However, the fact that Max Verstappen suggests Lawson might be faster in a Racing Bull than in a Red Bull speaks volumes about the improvements needed for the RB21. This is not an excuse for Lawson’s poor performance in the first two weekends, as he himself admits. He needs time, but he acknowledges that there isn’t any. So the question remains: was this his last race and will Yuki Tsunoda be in the Red Bull in Japan? Only time will tell…
BEHIND THE SCENES
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Grand Prix of China!
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Other Highlights from Shanghai
Former Chinese NBA star Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets, who stands at a towering 2.29 meters, is a regular attendee at the Chinese Grand Prix. His presence is an attraction in itself.
Three Questions for… Guanyu Zhou
He lost his seat at Stake F1 Kick Sauber, and as a result, Guanyu Zhou will be absent from the grid in 2025. However, at his home race in China, he will be ‘simply’ present as the newly appointed reserve driver for Ferrari.
We often see you interacting with fans in the paddock in Shanghai. What do you notice about your popularity in your home country?
“Honestly, the interest in me is even greater than last year. And that’s while I was racing then and not now. But this just shows the appeal Ferrari has on people, the Formula 1 team is hugely popular in China and has many fans. I’m proud to be a reserve driver for such a legendary racing team.”
Was the transition to Ferrari a dream come true?
“That might be a bit too much, because ultimately you always want to be on the grid yourself. But if that doesn’t happen, for whatever reasons, then Ferrari is obviously not a bad place to be a reserve driver. It’s incredibly interesting to work with such a large team, to help with race preparations, to do simulations.”
Did you consider any other class?
“There were some possibilities, there was interest. But when it was clear that I couldn’t get an F1 seat, I immediately set my sights on Ferrari. About ten years ago, I was there as a talent in the Ferrari Driver Academy. The circle is complete.”
Formula 1 Podcast
In the Paddock Talk Update, we discuss the Grand Prix of China and its tumultuous aftermath with reporter Gerard Bos. Naturally, we cover the dominant victory of McLaren, but also the disqualification of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly. Additionally, Gerard spoke with Max Verstappen who expressed his concerns about the Red Bull RB21, and he provides the latest update from the paddock on Liam Lawson who experienced another disappointing race weekend.
UPCOMING GRAND PRIX: JAPAN
Suzuka International Circuit
Following the races in Australia and China, the Formula 1 spectacle moves on to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, the third race on the F1 calendar for 2025. The Suzuka International Racing Course is renowned for its iconic S-curves and the 130R. Below you will find the complete schedule for the race weekend, including times in UTC.
Friday, April 4
- First free practice: 02:30 – 03:30 UTC
- Second free practice: 06:00 – 07:00 UTC
Saturday, April 5
- Third free practice: 02:30 – 03:30 UTC
- Qualification: 06:00 – 07:00 UTC
Sunday, April 6
- Race: 05:00 UTC
