Formula 1 is set to return to the Shanghai Circuit as part of the Chinese GP. Shanghai is a popular circuit that hosts the only Chinses GP. The last f1 race held in Shanghai was in 2019. The GP was discontinued after 2019 due to Covid.
After Adopting the new regulation change between the 2021-22 season, it will be the first time China will be hosting the ground effect era cars. This could mean a lot of complications for the engineers and drivers. With no races held in the past 5 years, the track could also be unfit for a GP.
Concerns of F1 returning to Shanghai
The Chinese GP is set to take place on 19-21 April. The F1 grid will be traveling to Shanghai soon, as the race weekend is almost here. The Shanghai circuit will be hosting one of the Sprint weekends.
While, this could be exciting for the fans, a lot of F1 associates have shown concern. Since the track has not been used in a long time there are worries of the track not having the highest grip level. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen also raised concern.
He said, “I think it’s not great, let’s say like that, to do that. Because when you have been away from a track for quite a while, I think you never know what you’re going to experience”
From not racing at a circuit for five years to going straight into #F1Sprint action this weekend, Max Verstappen cannot immediately see the logic.#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/nH4DRN2Avm
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) April 15, 2024
Since Shanghai has been closed for the past 5 years, the new drivers who joined in between could face some difficulties in pushing the car. the factor of only getting an hour of practice before the start of the sprint event could add to the new driver’s confidence to push the car.
Former F1 driver Christain Danner also added, “First and foremost, I expect a very green track that offers hardly any grip. This will be terrible for the drivers until the track finally has grip.” Danner Believes the track is gonna be green and the grip will only develop as the GP progresses.
A reduced grip and unfamiliar track are the leading causes of worry for the drivers, while the engineers have to work around strategies and what tire to use.
Reason to look forward to the Chinese GP.
The Shanghai Circuit has been host to some of the most exciting GP’s in the past. The circuit has a mix of good straights and corners for a challenging drive. Since it is also a sprint weekend, the fans get treated to a Mini race with the GP.
The Shanghai circuit is also one of the tracks Lewis Hamiton has dominated. Of the 16 races hosted in Shanghai, Hamilton has finished 6 times at pole.
A return Shanghai can be refreshing for the Briton fans. Lewis has only finished with a pole position once since the 2022 regulations. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has voiced his opinion on the importance of Chinese GP.
📰: Toto Wolff emphasizes the significance of the Chinese Grand Prix for Mercedes, citing it as a crucial moment for the sport’s global presence, particularly in a key market like China. Despite facing challenges this season, Wolff sees potential opportunities in Shanghai, given… pic.twitter.com/elLMYTJQ1u
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) April 16, 2024
Wolff said, “an important moment for the sport”. “As the world’s largest automotive market and second biggest economy, China is crucial to the sport’s global footprint,”
Toto believes racing in China is essential for the sports. China has the world’s largest automotive market and also the second-biggest economy, which could only be beneficial for the sport.