The Chinese Grand Prix weekend got underway with the sole Free Practice session ahead of Sprint Qualifying at the Shanghai International Circuit, with Lando Norris setting the early pace.
On a freshly laid track surface, drivers struggled to get to grips with the layout, with snaps of oversteer prevalent throughout the session - Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc notably running off the track in the early stages.
With 13 minutes remaining, the red flags were shown after Jack Doohan's Alpine came to a halt at Turn 10 as the Australian reported a loss of power steering over the radio.
FP1: Norris leads Leclerc and Piastri during sole Chinese Grand Prix practice session
Qualifying simulations after the interruption then saw Lando Norris move to the top by 0.454s from Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who ran into the gravel at the final corner. Max Verstappen aborted his soft tyre run and finished 16th, with Red Bull team mate Liam Lawson 18th.
George Russell had topped the order for Mercedes on medium tyres, but dropped to fifth in the closing stages.
Hit go on the video player above to watch the highlights from FP1.
Next Up
Related Articles
Antonelli ‘really happy' to bring home maiden F1 podium in Canada.webp)
F1 to race in Canada until 2035 with new extension
What the teams said – Race day in Canada
Tech WeeklyThe unique McLaren design that may have affected Norris
Facts and StatsAntonelli becomes F1’s third-youngest podium finisher
Leclerc admits ‘difficult’ Canadian GP was 'result of my mistakes’