Not only Pirelli faced logistical issues and delays en route to Shanghai from Melbourne. Formula 1 teams Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin also had to wait longer before they could start assembling their cars on Chinese soil.
The FIA had previously announced that Pirelli was experiencing flight delays, preventing the tire supplier from delivering all parts in time for the car assembly in Shanghai. Now it appears that several Formula 1 teams arrived in the Chinese city ahead of their equipment.
McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin were the four biggest victims of the delays, estimated to be more than eight hours, in the delivery of their cargo from Melbourne. Fortunately, the problem has already been resolved. At four o’clock in the afternoon local time, these teams were able to start assembling their cars in preparation for the Chinese race weekend.
No Worries
Both the FIA and the teams are not worried about whether the teams will have their cars ready in time for the first, and only, free practice. The governing body is even allowing the teams to break the curfew this one time, so that the mechanics can work longer. Teams usually get 5.5 hours to assemble their cars on Wednesday, but are now allowed an extra half hour.
