George Russell Continues Fine Start to Season by Going Fastest in China Practice
George Russell picked up exactly where he left off by posting the fastest time in the first practice session as Mercedes set a blistering early pace at the Shanghai International Circuit in China. The British driver, who dominated in Melbourne a week ago to win the season-opening round and take an early lead in the world championship, was at it again, finishing 0.120 seconds clear of his teammate, Kimi Antonelli.
Mercedes Shows Strong Early Form
Mercedes have hit the ground running this season, and on the evidence of the sole practice session ahead of qualifying for Saturday's sprint race, their advantage looks as great, if not greater, here. Russell posted just one competitive lap, suggesting there could be even more lap time to come from the Silver Arrows. Lando Norris was next up for McLaren, 0.555 seconds adrift of Russell, and one place clear of his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Charles Leclerc, the only other driver to finish within a second of Russell, finished fifth after he ran through the gravel at the final corner. His teammate Lewis Hamilton suffered a spin at Turn 6 in the early exchanges and ended the one-hour running 1.3 seconds off the pace. He also failed to set a representative time after a scruffy final lap.
Incidents and Disappointments
Earlier, Hamilton and Norris came within inches of contact at the last corner. The stewards noted the incident but did not take any further action. Ollie Bearman impressed to take seventh in his Haas, but four-time world champion Max Verstappen, already disillusioned by Formula One's new regulations, was a distant eighth, an eye-watering 1.8 seconds off the pace.
Elsewhere, British rookie Arvid Lindblad, who scored points on his debut in Melbourne, broke down with a mechanical failure after just six laps. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were only 18th and 20th for Aston Martin, respectively, as the British team's troubles continued.
Looking Ahead to Qualifying
Qualifying, which determines the grid for Saturday's sprint race, takes place at 3.30pm local time (07.30am UK). With Mercedes showing such strong form, all eyes will be on whether Russell can maintain his momentum and secure a favorable starting position for the upcoming races.
