Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing, competed in the China Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying Day on April 19, 2024. The first session of the Sprint Qualifying was affected by rain, which continued until the final top-10. Verstappen compared the track conditions to driving on ice at the Shanghai International Circuit. He will start in fourth place for the China Sprint, behind pole position Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso.
Verstappen, known for his skill in rainy conditions, struggled during the Sprint Qualifying. He went off track in turns 6 and 16 in the wet conditions. The unpredictable weather disrupted expectations, as Verstappen was considered the favorite before the on-track actions. Despite the challenges, Verstappen managed to set the fourth fastest time.
The Dutch driver described the track as incredibly slippery and had difficulty warming up the tires. He compared the experience to driving on ice. Verstappen acknowledged that his performance in the rain was not satisfactory, but expressed confidence in his abilities in dry conditions.
With only one practice session before the Sprint Qualifying affected by rain, there are still many uncertainties regarding Saturday morning’s Sprint. Despite starting from the second row, Verstappen believes there will still be opportunities to achieve a good result in the race.
The peculiar details of the asphalt track in Shanghai, which offers limited grip, add to the challenge of the Sprint race. Verstappen emphasized that tire behavior will play a significant role in determining the race order. Starting from the inside of the track is not ideal due to less grip, especially on painted areas on the asphalt. Verstappen aims to make the best possible start and anticipates an interesting race with a long stint on a single set of tires.
