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Listen up, grid heads, because if the Chinese Grand Prix didn't already have you booking flights for next season, Episode 64 of the Away We Go Podcast absolutely will. Broadcasting from Margaret River, host Dianne Bortoletto sits down with Australian F1 journalist Reilly Sullivan, who recently traded Sydney for Beijing. Fresh out of the Shanghai International Circuit, Sullivan delivers a masterclass in paddock insights, grid gossip, and why China needs to be at the top of your Formula 1 bucket list.
If you thought the Singapore or Melbourne media pens were top-tier, Shanghai is operating on another level. Sullivan describes the custom-built Shanghai media center as the "ritziest" he's ever experienced. Instead of sitting directly above the pit lane, journalists were perched ten floors up, suspended above the circuit's massive straight, enjoying a bird's-eye view of the action---complete with stellar seafood and Heineken on tap.
During the weekend, Sullivan caught up with Shanghai's hometown hero, Zhou Guanyu. Now acting as the reserve driver and ambassador for Cadillac, Zhou has been busy soaking up local adoration. In a refreshingly honest chat, Zhou expressed immense gratitude for his time at Alfa Romeo/Sauber and Ferrari, and had nothing but praise for former teammate Valtteri Bottas. His top travel tips? Set up your mobile payments, hit the shopping districts, and dive into the food scene.
While the on-track action was fierce, the post-race vibes were emotional. Watching Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli claim his maiden win alongside teammate George Russell (P2) and Lewis Hamilton (P3) in his Ferrari suit felt like a historic, happy ending. Sullivan noted a palpable respect among the drivers---a stark contrast to the bitter rivalries of years past.
As for the debated new car regulations, they are finally normalizing. While Max Verstappen remains vocal about battery conservation and active aero, Sullivan points out that the racing in Shanghai was undeniably good. While Aston Martin faces an existential crisis, teams like Alpine are surprisingly competitive. For his early World Champion prediction, Sullivan named the Mercedes duo of Antonelli and Russell as his hot takes.
With the April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia officially canceled, the grid faces a five-week gap in the calendar. When Sullivan spoke with Nico Hulkenberg, the Haas driver offered a mature perspective. Having raced through pandemics, Hulkenberg simply stated that "safety comes first," recognizing that some things are vastly more important than Formula 1.
Attending the Chinese Grand Prix has never been easier. With new 30-day visa-free entry policies for many Western countries, the logistical headaches are a thing of the past.
Sullivan advises against staying in Jiading near the circuit; instead, book an affordable hotel downtown to enjoy the neon skyline and the historic Bund. The high-speed rail makes travel easy and cheap, and the tech landscape is mind-blowing---from Face ID entry to robot waiters. Plus, a bowl of authentic local noodles will only set you back about five bucks.
Whether you're looking to analyze active aero telemetry or just want the best post-race dumplings, Episode 64 is essential listening. Tune in now, subscribe to the Away We Go Podcast, and get your predictions locked in.
Dianne Bortoletto is a freelance travel, food, lifestyle and Formula 1 journalist and host of Away We Go Podcast.
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