Formula 1

Charles Leclerc was frustrated to fall to sixth on the grid in qualifying for the sprint race after suffering an unexplained drop in power.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race from the front row after the stewards cleared him of impeding Lando Norris.

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes have mastered Formula 1’s new power unit regulations the same way they did last time – by starting work earlier than their rivals.

Max Verstappen told Red Bull “I’ve really never had something this bad” as he qualified eighth on the grid for the sprint race.

George Russell led another Mercedes one-two in qualifying for the sprint race in Shanghai but his team mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli could lose his second place.

George Russell has taken provisional pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race for Mercedes ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris.

Pictures from qualifying day for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit.

Alpine’s performance in the first race of 2026 came as a major disappointment to the team’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore.

George Russell led a Mercedes one-two followed by the McLarens. Ferrari debuted their new rear wing but Lewis Hamilton suffered a high-speed spin.

Also in Friday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up, George Russell accuses Ferrari of blocking changes to F1’s start rules.