News
RACING LINES
FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2025
Mclaren
MORE COMPETITION EXPECTED FROM RIVALS IN CHINA
Lando Norris opened up on how the McLaren remains “difficult to drive” despite his success last time out in Australia. Norris suggested that the weekend hadn’t been entirely smooth sailing as he stated: “I’m hoping we can do better, and I’m hoping it can be a bit easier.
“It’s a different weekend, so I wouldn’t say we’re confident that things are going to be exactly like they were. I expect a bit more competition from Ferrari this weekend [and] we saw how quick Red Bull have been, so clearly they’re not out of it, they’re just as fast. I think when things are perfect, like they were in Qualifying, we have an advantage, but they’re certainly not far behind.”
MERCEDES
AUSTRALIA A GOOD BOOST OF CONFIDENCE
Kimi Antonelli admitted that his debut was “far from perfect” given his Qualifying disappointment, but still took plenty of positives from the weekend. The Italian rookie said: "Starting at the back, even though it was not nice, that was a good lesson to see how you have to manage starting from the back to progress through the field, so definitely, it was a really good experience, the first weekend.
“Melbourne was a good boost of confidence. I think I was a little bit too tense, especially when it was time for Qualifying. Now, I definitely feel a lot more relaxed and a lot more in control of the situation. There is lots to learn, but I’m looking forward to this weekend.”
Racing bulls
HADJAR REFLECTS ON 'SPECIAL MOMENT' IN AUSTRALIA
After a disappointing early end to the Grand Prix weekend in Australia, Isack Hadjar was visibly emotional after stepping out of the car and received a heartfelt embrace from Anthony Hamilton upon his return to the paddock, with Lewis’ father seen speaking with the youngster and holding an arm around him as they walked.
“It was a nice moment, sharing time with someone like Anthony, the dad of my idol," said the young French driver. "It was quite a special moment. Lewis sent me a message later that day, so they’re really classy guys."
Despite having never driven on the Shanghai International Circuit, Hadjar feels prepared for the busy schedule, saying: "In terms of the approach, I would say I’m quite used to this; [during] the last three years that’s what I’ve been doing [in Formula 2 and Formula 3], with FP and straight into Qualifying with only a few push laps.”
Red bull
'A LOT OF UNKNOWNS' HEADING INTO CHINA
Max Verstappen hailed his P2 result in Australia as a “decent starting point” for the team, the reigning World Champion crossing the line less than one second behind winner Lando Norris. But looking ahead to China, the first F1 Sprint of the year is just one factor Verstappen has cited as adding to the uncertainty entering into the event.
“[There are] a lot of unknowns, I would say,” Verstappen explained during media day on Thursday. “Of course, this is quite a different layout and we have different, new tarmac here now.
“It’s a Sprint weekend, so not a lot of time to adapt, so we will have to see how the car is going to respond to that. I hope that it will be in a good window and then we will try to do the best job we can.”
williams
SAINZ OPENS UP ON VITAL STRATEGIST ROLE IN AUSTRALIA
After Carlos Sainz was eliminated from the action early in last weekend’s rain-hit race, the Spaniard got stuck into the team’s garage operations and played his part in some key decision-making as the weather conditions changed. “I think in a lot of the races, it can be useful,” he commented. “Obviously, even more so in a situation like Melbourne."
Sainz recalled a crucial call made during the race, saying: “The moment the McLarens went off, I didn’t have a headset or anything, I just started shouting, ‘Box, please. Box. It’s the time to box now’. It was fun."
"I remember telling JV [James Vowles] after the race that I actually got really nervous – more nervous than I am when I’m in the car – because I felt some responsibility for the call... It was high nerves, but I actually had a lot of fun helping the team out.”
