Chinese GP: What did we learn?
After Melbourne’s season opener two weeks ago, we seemed to have more questions than answers. Was Ferrari’s pace real? Have Mercedes lost a step? Who are the midfield front-runners? Thankfully, this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai gave us some answers. So what did we learn from the Chinese GP?
The battle is real
Shanghai showed us that Ferrari’s pace is genuine, so we should get a season-long battle between them and Mercedes. Although Lewis Hamilton won the race, Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari would’ve had the speed to have a straight fight with Mercedes had there not been a safety car after Vettel pitted. Melbourne and Shanghai are very different tracks and both races had very different weather conditions. Mercedes appear to have the quicker package over one lap, with Hamilton taking pole at both events. But Ferrari are close, and could steal a few pole positions this season. Both Ferrari and Mercedes were competitive in both races, so this should be a great season.
A new kind of overtaking
The Australian Grand Prix was pretty devoid of overtakes, and many feared that trend would continue throughout the season. Shanghai thankfully proved that wrong, with some great wheel-to-wheel action. Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen in particular pulled off some great moves. But was that merely a product of the wet conditions, where the aerodynamic disadvantage of following another car is less of an issue? Let’s hope that Australia’s lack of action was down to the track and not a product of the new regulations. Drivers now seem to have to really work for an overtake. DRS hasn’t been much of a factor so far, with most of Shanghai’s action coming in the corners. It may be a case of quality, not quantity with overtaking this season.
Red Bull resurgence?
Red Bull aren’t yet contenders in a straight fight in dry conditions, but are strong in wet or changeable weather. They are also strong on strategy, and could spring similar surprises this season like they did in Shanghai. Max Verstappen showed his moxie in the mixed conditions once again, finishing third despite starting 16th on the grid. Both Red Bulls finished in front of Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari and Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes; a real positive this early in the season. Crucially, Red Bull also develop well, meaning that they could be a dark horse contender for race wins soon.
The midfield mix
While the picture at the front of the grid is pretty clear-cut, the midfield pack is harder to work out. Williams qualified well, but lacked the race pace to score points in the damp conditions. Force India scored another double points finish, while Toro Rosso were the best of the midfield in China, finishing 7th thanks to Carlos Sainz and his dry tyre gamble. Kevin Magnussen also scored Haas’ first points of the season in 8th, while team-mate Romain Grosjean was close in 11th. Renault struggled with luck and strategy this weekend, but seem to have the pace to challenge for points finishes.
So how can we sort the midfield bunch? Williams’ package may not suit every circuit, or they may struggle more in cold and wet conditions. Force India and Toro Rosso seem to be the midfield leaders right now, and are able to score points consistently. Both teams would’ve had two double points finishes each to start the year had Daniil Kvyat not had to retire in China. Renault’s true potential is unknown, as they have struggled with strategy and reliability so far. This year’s midfield battle will be interesting to watch.
Animalistic Alonso
Despite continued woes for McLaren-Honda with a double retirement in Shanghai, Fernando Alonso seems full of fire. The double World Champion was an “animal” in qualifying, dragging his McLaren into 13th on the grid. Then, he capitalised on the changeable conditions in the race, running in the points and having a spirited battle with countryman Carlos Sainz before his McLaren succumbed to a driveshaft issue. Although his car is struggling, Alonso still seems to be at the top of his game.
