Shanghai, March 21, 2025 - The McLaren Formula 1 team opened the Chinese Grand Prix weekend on a strong note after their recent victory at the Australian GP. Lando Norris led the only free practice session, clocking in a lap time of 1 minute 31.504 seconds, nearly half a second ahead of his closest competitor, Charles Leclerc. Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate, also marked a notable performance by finishing third in the session.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian driver, had a more modest outing, ending up in 19th place. Bortoleto struggled with pace, posting a first lap that was 3.5 seconds slower than the reference time, and about 1.7 seconds behind his teammate, Nico Hülkenberg. Following an initial six laps on medium tires, he returned to the garage and significantly improved his time to 1 minute 33.822 seconds while using soft tires.
Amidst the action, other teams also showed their strengths. Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari secured the fourth position, with George Russell from Mercedes following closely in fifth. Nico Hülkenberg surprised many by placing sixth, highlighting his capability to compete with the front runners.
Things got tense during the session when Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson had minor incidents on the Shanghai Circuit in the early minutes, kicking up gravel but fortunately resulting in no major consequences. As the session continued, Jack Doohan of Alpine caused the session's first red flag by stopping on the gravel and reporting a loss of power with less than 15 minutes remaining.
After a short pause to clear Doohan’s car from the track, action resumed, and the drivers quickly returned to the track equipped with softer tires. Leclerc managed to dethrone Russell’s earlier best time, registering a lap that was only 0.058 seconds faster than Norris. However, Norris then reclaimed the top spot as Piastri also managed to join the top three.
As the drivers prepare for more action, the qualifying for the sprint race is set for later today at 4:20 AM (Brasilia time). Following today’s sprint race, the main race will occur this weekend, with a full schedule packed with excitement.
The last stages of the free practice session showcased fierce competition among the top teams as they jockeyed for optimal positions ahead of the qualifying rounds. The drivers are aware that every fraction of a second counts, especially in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
Looking ahead, the GP of China marks a significant chapter in the 2025 Formula 1 season. With a variety of competitive performances, the excitement is palpable among fans and teams alike. With all eyes now on the sprint race qualifying, enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating how the battle will unfold between the leading teams and drivers.
The Formula 1 weekend in Shanghai, which kicked off with the free practice session, is being broadcasted live on platforms including Band.com.br, Bandplay, and Bandsports, ensuring that fans of the sport do not miss out on any of the adrenaline-fueled action.
With the breathtaking backdrop of Shanghai and the electric atmosphere surrounding the event, this season’s Chinese Grand Prix promises to deliver unforgettable moments on the track.
As the competition heats up in Shanghai, the teams are not only battling for points but also for bragging rights in the prestigious world of Formula 1. Every moment in the qualifying and the subsequent races will be crucial as drivers push their limits both behind the wheel and in strategy.
With anticipation building, spectators and teams alike are excited for what could unfold during this significant race weekend, hoping to see their favorite drivers claim victory on the iconic Shanghai track.
