The upcoming weekend will feature the inaugural Sprint of the season, with a limited one-hour practice session on Friday for car adjustments and tire evaluations. Teams will rely solely on simulator data as they prepare for the race.
During the previous race at the Shanghai International Circuit, cars used 13-inch tires and had a flat floor, unlike the current 18-inch Pirelli tires and ground-effect aerodynamics. Additionally, the track has seen minimal use since 2019, which may result in a rougher surface.
Verstappen, who claimed his third victory in four races by winning in Japan, expressed his anticipation for the Sprint weekend. He acknowledged the limited practice time available and expected an intriguing challenge.
The 26-year-old driver, along with others, criticized the decision to hold a 100km Sprint on Saturday in China due to the numerous uncertainties surrounding the event. However, Verstappen recognized that the unique format could bring excitement to the race.
Verstappen hopes to perform well in China, a track he has always enjoyed driving on. He expressed his desire for a smooth start to the race weekend and downplayed the adjustments needed for his car.
Since his last race in China, Verstappen has won three F1 Championships, showcasing his dominance in the sport. If he secures another victory on Sunday, it would mean he has won half of all F1 races held since Shanghai’s last appearance on the calendar. It would also mark his first win in China, a track that was predominantly dominated by Lewis Hamilton until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the schedule.
The seven-time F1 World Champion from Mercedes, who has won six times in Shanghai, arrives at the race with a streak of 50 consecutive races without a first-place victory. Ferrari is expected to be the closest competitor to Red Bull, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finishing behind Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez in Japan. McLaren and Aston Martin have also surpassed Mercedes in recent races.
Verstappen currently leads the standings, 13 points ahead of Perez and 18 points ahead of Leclerc. George Russell is the highest-ranked Mercedes driver in seventh place, while Hamilton is in ninth place.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged the solid progress made with his car in Japan and hopes to build on that momentum in the upcoming race.
Chinese fans will have the opportunity to cheer for their own driver, Zhou Guanyu, who will make his home debut with Sauber. The race is sold out, which is a rarity, and excitement is building among spectators.
The popularity of F1 has increased significantly, evident by the difficulty in obtaining tickets this year compared to previous years. Local chemistry professor and F1 fan Li Qixiang noted the rise in popularity, attributing it to Zhou Guanyu’s participation in the championship.
2024
The year 2024 promises to be exciting for sports fans. With several high-level competitions taking place around the world, sports lovers will have plenty to follow. From the Olympics to football championships, there will be plenty of excitement and rivalry.
One of the most anticipated events is the Soccer World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. The best teams in the world will face each other in search of the coveted trophy. The most talented players will showcase their skills on the field, and fans will cheer with each goal.
In addition to soccer, other sports will also be highlighted in 2024. Basketball, for example, will have the NBA with great games and fierce competitions. Fans will be able to watch the best athletes in the world in action, dribbling and dunking the ball in the basket.
In the world of motorsport, Formula 1 promises exciting and adrenaline-filled races. The most skilled drivers on the planet will compete on challenging tracks, aiming for the title of world champion. Teams will work hard to develop faster and more efficient cars, providing an incredible spectacle for the viewers.
In addition to sporting events, 2024 will also be marked by great stories and emotional moments. Athletes will overcome challenges, break records, and inspire people around the world. Sport is a universal passion, capable of uniting people and creating unforgettable memories.
So, get ready for a year full of excitement and adrenaline. Follow the competitions closely, cheer for your favorite team or athlete, and enjoy every moment. Sport is a source of entertainment and inspiration, and in 2024 it will be no different. Let’s live intensely this passion for sports!
