Russell Dominates Chinese Grand Prix Practice as Mercedes Sets Sprint Qualifying Benchmark

Shanghai, China – George Russell of Mercedes topped the timesheets in the sole practice session for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, setting a blistering pace of 1:32.741s at the Shanghai International Circuit. The performance establishes Mercedes as a clear favorite heading into sprint qualifying later on Friday.

Mercedes 1-2 Highlights Silver Arrows’ Strength

Russell led teammate Kimi Antonelli, who finished just 0.120s behind, securing a dominant 1-2 finish for the Silver Arrows. This strong showing comes after Russell’s victory in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix Formula1.com, signaling continued momentum for the team.

Norris and McLaren Challenge, Ferrari Faces Challenges

Lando Norris of McLaren rounded out the top three, finishing 0.555s off Russell’s pace. Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren secured fourth place, demonstrating the team’s competitive edge. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and sixth respectively, with Hamilton experiencing a spin at Turn 6 during the session SI.com.

Drama and Technical Issues Mark Session

The practice session wasn’t without its incidents. Alpine’s Franco Colapinto spun at Turn 9, attributed to excessive brake locking at the rear. Lewis Hamilton collided with Lando Norris’ McLaren at the final corner and then spun out at Turn 6, also due to rear brake issues SI.com. Virtual Safety Cars (VSCs) were deployed twice – once for debris on the back straight triggered by Gabriel Bortoleto, and again when Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls stopped on track SI.com.

Full Practice Results

Here’s the full rundown of the top 20 drivers from the first practice session:

• 1. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:32.741
• 2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:32.861
• 3. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:33.296
• 4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:33.472
• 5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:33.599
• 6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:34.129
• 7. Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 1:34.426
• 8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:34.541
• 9. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) – 1:34.639
• 10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:34.676
• 11. Liam Lawson (RB) – 1:34.773
• 12. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – 1:34.828
• 13. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 1:34.856
• 14. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1:34.877
• 15. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 1:34.947
• 16. Alexander Albon (Williams) – 1:35.480
• 17. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:35.679
• 18. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1:35.856
• 19. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) – 1:36.057
• 20. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1:37.224

Looking Ahead to Sprint Qualifying

With the first practice session concluded, teams will now focus on preparing for sprint qualifying. Mercedes’ strong performance positions them favorably, but the tight competition suggests a thrilling battle for pole position and valuable championship points is ahead Motorsport.com.