Chinese GP 2026 FP1: Russell leads Mercedes 1-2 with Antonelli close behind

Mercedes picked up exactly where they left off in Melbourne, with George Russell leading a Silver Arrows one-two in Free Practice 1 at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, the first Sprint weekend of the season. Around the sweeping 5.451km Shanghai International Circuit, Russell’s benchmark of 1:32.741 proved untouchable, with rookie team mate Kimi Antonelli just 0.120s adrift in a commanding display.

Mercedes lay down the gauntlet

Russell’s fastest lap came on a new set of soft tyres midway through the session, but it was his overall control across both medium and soft compounds that stood out. He topped the timesheets early on the mediums and never relinquished his authority.

Antonelli once again underlined his maturity. The Italian, fresh from an eye-catching weekend in Australia, clocked a 1:32.861 on new softs and looked poised to challenge his team mate. Notably, he set his best time on his second push lap, hinting there may have been even more pace available.

Mercedes’ long-run data on used mediums also appeared consistent, suggesting they are not only quick over one lap but already well balanced for the Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix.

With Russell over half a second clear of the nearest non-Mercedes car, the rest have work to do before Sprint Qualifying.

McLaren edge Ferrari in tight scrap

Lando Norris led the chase in third with a 1:33.296, improving late in the session as track evolution ramped up. Oscar Piastri followed closely in fourth, just 0.176s behind his team mate.

Both McLarens completed extensive medium-tyre running before bolting on the softs, suggesting a clear focus on race preparation before chasing headline times.

Ferrari slotted into fifth and sixth, Charles Leclerc ahead of Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc’s 1:33.599 kept him within a second of Russell, though a late off at the final corner — dipping into the gravel — was a reminder of how low grip remains off-line.

Hamilton’s session was more dramatic. After minor contact with Norris at Turn 16 — an incident reviewed with no further investigation — the Briton spun and flat-spotted his tyres. He switched early to softs and gradually improved to sixth. Ferrari’s much-discussed “flip-flop” rear wing was also in action, with the team continuing to evaluate its behaviour under braking and top-speed gains down Shanghai’s long back straight.

Red Bull and midfield: work to do

Max Verstappen could manage only eighth, 1.8 seconds off Russell’s pace, with Isack Hadjar down in 13th. Both drivers completed straightforward programmes but lacked the sharpness shown by Mercedes and McLaren.

In contrast, Oliver Bearman impressed again for Haas. Seventh fastest, just 0.029s quicker than Verstappen, the Briton continues to shine in 2026. Nico Hulkenberg put Audi ninth, while Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10 for Alpine.

The midfield battle looks fierce. Racing Bulls, Audi, Haas and Alpine appear closely matched, separated by tenths rather than seconds — a tantalising prospect ahead of the short, intense Sprint Qualifying format.

Spins, VSCs and reliability headaches

Grip was at a premium throughout the hour. Franco Colapinto spun early, while Hamilton’s lock-up and subsequent rotation triggered one of several yellow-flag periods. A brief VSC for debris interrupted running, but a more significant stoppage came when Arvid Lindblad pulled over with a mechanical issue, ending his session after just six laps.

Williams also endured disruption. Carlos Sainz lost valuable time with a data issue, completing only limited running before salvaging 17th late on. Alex Albon was 16th and is under investigation for a practice start infringement.

Cadillac and Aston Martin struggled for pace, with Sergio Perez last and Lance Stroll 20th.

All eyes on Sprint Qualifying

With just one practice session on a Sprint weekend, the pressure is already building. Mercedes look the team to beat over one lap and potentially over a run. McLaren are firmly in the mix, Ferrari are close but searching for refinement, and Red Bull face an unusual uphill battle.

Sprint Qualifying will provide the first true answers — but after FP1 in Shanghai, the Silver Arrows have drawn first blood.