2026 Chinese GP: Russell will start the sprint from pole position

In only the second round of the season, with teams still not fully accustomed to cars built under the new regulations, they faced a sprint-format weekend in Shanghai.

In the only practice session held in the morning, the fastest time — as expected — was set by George Russell, who had delivered a dominant performance in Melbourne. This was followed immediately by sprint qualifying. The session proved particularly interesting, as without the usual three hours of practice, it revealed the real competitive order of the teams over a flying lap based on their baseline chassis and power unit setups.

For Shanghai, Pirelli brought its “medium” trio of compounds — C2, C3 and C4.

First session

Drivers took to the track on Medium tyres, as required by the regulations. On the first runs, Russell set the fastest time — 1:33.030, putting 0.7 seconds between himself and his rivals.

On the second run, the gap narrowed somewhat — Lewis Hamilton was just 0.1 seconds slower. Russell did not go out for a second attempt but still retained the lead.

Gabriel Bortoleto and Oliver Bearman both ran into the gravel at the final corner but kept control of their cars and continued.

Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez did not leave the pits at all due to a fuel system issue.

In the first session, Pérez, Bottas, Stroll, Alonso, Albon, and Sainz were eliminated.

Second session

All drivers again used Medium tyres. Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets with a 1:32.602 on his first attempt, but Russell soon went faster — 1:32.241.

The scenario repeated itself in the second runs: the gaps became slightly smaller, but Russell remained in the lead even without improving his lap time. Bearman ran wide at the final corner.

Pierre Gasly impeded Max Verstappen, causing him to go onto the gravel, but he managed to return to the track. The stewards placed the incident under investigation.

Colapinto, Lindblad, Bortoleto, Lawson, Ocon, and Hülkenberg did not progress to the final stage.

Final session

Everyone switched to Soft tyres and mostly limited themselves to a single attempt — one or two flying laps — as by the second lap the softest compound had already begun to lose effectiveness.

Russell set a 1:31.520 on his first attempt, topping the timesheets, and this remained the best result of the session.

Thus, George Russell claimed Sprint Qualifying for the first time in his career. Tomorrow morning he will share the front row with his teammate — Kimi Antonelli, who was about 0.3 seconds slower.

From the second row will start Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, while Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc will line up on the third row.