SUMMARY
- Historic podium shake-up with absence of Ferrari and Mercedes drivers at 2024 Chinese Grand Prix.
- Max Verstappen's dominance echoes Mika Hakkinen's 1999 record, while Lando Norris challenges with strategic prowess.
The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, which marked a much-anticipated return to Shanghai for Formula 1 after a five-year hiatus, witnessed a historic podium finish. For the first time since 2011, neither Ferrari nor Mercedes drivers graced the top three steps. Interestingly, both the 2011 and 2024 podiums mirrored each other, featuring a McLaren driver alongside two Red Bull teammates.
Max Verstappen had been the clear winner this year, crushing the race with ease. The driver won four races and secured his fifth straight pole position, a record not witnessed since Mika Hakkinen did the same for McLaren in 1999. During the first pit stop phase, Lando Norris, who has been on a roll for McLaren, showed off his ability and the tactical prowess of the Woking crew by overpowering the Dutchman.
Chinese Grand Prix breaks podium tradition with no Ferrari or Mercedes drivers
The 2011 Chinese Grand Prix, which saw a similar podium outcome, was a different story. Back then, it was Lewis Hamilton, then driving for McLaren, who took the checkered flag. Behind him were Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, showcasing the early rise of the Austrian team that has since become a major force in Formula 1.
The 2024 #ChineseGP was the first time there were no Ferrari or Mercedes drivers on the podium in China since 2011 😲
2011 and 2024’s podiums also each consisted of a McLaren and two Red Bulls! 👀 pic.twitter.com/7KJkNLwabi
— Autosport (@autosport) April 23, 2024
Fast forward to 2024, serving as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of F1. Although Ferrari and Mercedes have historically been the leaders, Red Bull has risen to the top because of Verstappen’s remarkable driving ability. The championship race gains a further dramatic aspect with Norris leading McLaren back to battle.
The midfield turned out to be hot as well. Fernando Alonso hinted at possible future issues for the top three teams with his competitive performance in his Aston Martin, causing him to finish in a solid seventh place. The rivalry for spots throughout the racing order grew more fierce as teams like Alpine, Haas, and Stake F1 progressed.
Ferrari’s potential hindered by mystery hard tire pace loss
The recent race in Shanghai saw a surprising turn of events. The Scuderia team, unfortunately, fell short. The Briton at McLaren emerged as Red Bull’s closest competitor, finishing ahead of Sergio Perez. Norris’ strategy benefited from a virtual safety car, allowing him to pit for free alongside Charles Leclerc, who was attempting a risky one-stop strategy.
🇨🇳Carlos about the season so far:
“I mean, you have to take into account that I’ve skipped one race and still in the top five every race, we are starting well but maybe China has been the most difficult circuit for me and the Ferrari so far.”#ChineseGP
pic.twitter.com/R8rHj0BrZ5— Carlos Sainz News (@CSainzNews_) April 21, 2024
According to team principal Fred Vasseur, “It’s a matter of a tenth or half a tenth [against McLaren each race]. In Melbourne for example we finished the race after 60 laps eight seconds in front, and we are one-tenth faster. And then today we are one-tenth slower. It’s more a matter of extracting the best of what we have.”
Initially, the Monegasque was hoping to pass Norris following the restarts since the hard tires were not as effective as the mediums. Leclerc struggled as a result and finally fell behind, allowing Perez to pass him. Adding to their woes was their lack of qualifying pace. They prioritized race setup, sacrificing qualifying performance for better tire wear.
Underwhelming result in China.
Imola can’t come soon enough.
🎨 @oskvar_ pic.twitter.com/MYJfoWAL5a
— Ferrari News 🐎 (@FanaticsFerrari) April 21, 2024
Leclerc eventually passed Russell after a thrilling maneuver but was too late to challenge for the podium. Carlos Sainz also lagged behind Russell and remained on a two-stop strategy. After Sainz’s previous incidents with Alonso, there was more controversy during the sprint race when the Ferrari drivers clashed coming off of a hairpin curve.