Race Two : 2025 China Grandprix [Shanghai International]

[Nitrodaze]

It is looking like it may be a normal weekend in Shanghai. This is the first sprint weekend of the season., While the rain made it tricky for all newcomers to various teams, the intense sprint weekend would put all rookies on their back foot, once again.

The rivalry between Norris and Piastri shall properly play out this weekend, with Piastri needing to recover a 23-point deficit. This is an opportunity for Norris to stamp his authority to claim the lead driver status early; if he can pull out another race win.

I suspect we shall see the true pecking order of the grid at this race. Ferrari being out of its true position in Australia skewed the order somewhat. [CORRECTION]

Antonelli is the only driver to have kept abreast with his teammate by finishing right behind him at the end of the race. Russell 3rd and Antonelli 4th. The next closest pairing is LeClerc 8th and Hamilton 10th. The weird chicanes, the long straight and sweeping long corner of Shanghai would show the weakness of some cars. Hence l am thinking the grid would be shaken up to a new order.

All eyes are on McLaren to see is they can reproduce that awesome pace we saw in Australia. And Ferrari to see if Australia was a blip. I, for one, am looking forward to the comedy of the Ferrari pit wall. I wonder if the water has become a river in Leclerc's car. The Hamilton - Riccardo Adami partnership did not start on a good footing. I wonder how many times Hamilton has to say "l heard you!" for Ademi to realize the man wants to do it in his own sweet time. Ferrari was a joke in Australia, they grossly underperformed and their pit wall was a far cry from the pinnacle of professionalism. I have a feeling, Ferrari should have refreshed their pitwall this season in preparation for the new regulation season.

The current pitwall crew are the same ones that were responsible for the woeful calls that stymie most of their competitive seasons. Adami was by Vettel's side when their chance to beat Mercedes evaporated. They were mostly the same crew present for all the bizarre strategy calls that have drained the team of potential points finish in the last four seasons. By the looks of the Australia showing, l am thinking they are highly unlikely to win anything against the sharp operation of the competition this season. Their main problem is still very much there and glaring. I would very much like them to prove me wrong.

Is it going to be another McLaren One-Two and in what order this time round? Can Verstappen make it to the podium without the aid of rain? Can Mercedes repeat the pace that we saw at Melbourne? Is the Ferrari SF25 a dud?

[N. Jones]

Are the threat of wing changes going to hurt McLaren, if they come to pass? It seems as if any rule change is specifically aimed at them.

[Nitrodaze]

Are the threat of wing changes going to hurt McLaren, if they come to pass? It seems as if any rule change is specifically aimed at them.

During preseason testing, there were lots of wings deflecting. That was Redbull blowing the whistle again, I heard. The McLaren did not seem to deflect that much, and Mercedes seemed to deflect noticeably. If I recall, it was flapping on the Sauber.

I suspect, many midfield teams may suffer from the rule change. It would be interesting to see how it may affect McLaren. I think they were told about the rules change during preseason testing, so they all have time to prepare the car for FIA wing testing, which is due in a couple races time. I doubt it would have any impact on McLaren.

[gm99]

All teams have not raced China since 2019, over the infamous Covid period. Hence, we should expect most teams to be finding their footing once again.

Ehm, they raced there last year? Verstappen won from Norris and Perez.

[Nitrodaze]

Ehm, they raced there last year? Verstappen won from Norris and Perez.

Wow, l must have missed that race somehow. Did they???

I just checked, yes they did and l did not watch that race for some reason.

[Nitrodaze]

During preseason testing, there were lots of wings deflecting. That was Redbull blowing the whistle again, I heard. The McLaren did not seem to deflect that much, and Mercedes seemed to deflect noticeably. If I recall, it was flapping on the Sauber.

I suspect, many midfield teams may suffer from the rule change. It would be interesting to see how it may affect McLaren. I think they were told about the rules change during preseason testing, so they all have time to prepare the car for FIA wing testing, which is due in a couple races time. I doubt it would have any impact on McLaren.

Actually, wing changes is due for the China race. Proof Redbull owns the FIA.

[N. Jones]

How does the FIA test the wings? Do the team submit body work for testing, or does the FIA test the cars at a circuit?

[airshifter]

Tests are at the circuit.

Flexiwings have been under FIA scrutiny for some time now. Since some teams had already invested the time to make them, the FIA gave some leeway and decided not to change testing until Spain. What the teams in turn did was make the rear wings deform in new and other ways, to a point that the FIA decided to clamp down on the rear wings now. AFAIK front wing tests still won't change until Spain.


Personally I think they are like dogs chasing their tails. Highly flexing front wings go back quite some time, and usually testing does little to change things. They need better tests if they want to stop it, but more importantly they need to decide what, as well as what not, to allow. More than anything they need to prioritize only making changes during the off season. If a wing is legal then let it race through the season, and make the change at seasons end. If it's not legal, such as the mini DRS flexing, then clarify that quickly and cause compliance.

[Matthew]

The Australian GP was crazy with all the rain challenging the drivers, but the Chinese GP is set to be dry and action-packed and I hope that we see a great race without too many safety car involvements. Beyond the racing, fans can enjoy the Checkered Flag Carnival with live music, a Zhou Guanyu fan event, and a pet-friendly day. The Fan Zone behind the grandstand will have interactive experiences, merch, and great food.

[F1nKS]

How does the FIA test the wings? Do the team submit body work for testing, or does the FIA test the cars at a circuit?

They do static testing. At the Chinese Grand Prix, they are restricting the deflection to 0.75 mm under static load. The allowable deflection of a Suzuka will be reduced to 0.5mm.

A more stringent front wing test will be conducted at the Spanish Grand Prix.