Time for the first sprint weekend of the season this weekend in China, scene of the fifth round of the F1 season.
A sprint format somewhat modified compared to last year since this Friday the qualifying session was contested for a sprint which takes place on Saturday, a few hours with the qualifications for the Grand Prix.
And under the flood it is Lando Norris who will set off in front of everyone this Saturday morning. McLaren driver takes advantage of difficult conditions to get ahead of veterans Lewis Hamilton et Fernando Alonsowhile Max Verstappen et Carlos Sainz complete the top 5.
In Q1, no real surprise with the eliminations of Alpine, Williams and RB de Yuki Tsunoda. The end of Q1 marked by a yellow flag due to a burning lawn near the circuit. An incident also occurred during the only free practice session.
Q2 was turned upside down by the arrival of rain at the end of the year, depriving the Haas of the top 10, the RB of Daniel Ricciardo and especially the Mercedes of George Russell et Lance Stroll (Aston Martin).
The conditions are increasingly complicated with Q3 contested in the deluge. Charles Leclerc also commits a spin, somewhat damaging his Ferrari. Alonso and Verstappen, on more than one occasion, also make mistakes. Long ahead of everyone, Hamilton finally saw his young compatriot take first place at the end of a session full of suspense.
So who will win the first sprint race of the season? Response this Saturday from 4:55 a.m. on RTBF media.
