PADDOCK INSIDER: Will McLaren remain the team to beat in Shanghai – or can a rival team spoil their early-season party?
A few days after a cracker of an opening race of the season in Melbourne, the Formula 1 paddock reconvened 8,050km north in Shanghai for round two – and the anticipation for what could be the sport’s closest-ever season showed no signs of dissipating.
Are McLaren the ones to beat again?
You’d struggle to find someone in the Shanghai paddock who didn’t put McLaren as favourites for back-to-back wins, so convincing was their pace in both dry and wet conditions in Australia.
Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
The ultimate F1 music line-up guide from Baku to Abu Dhabi /GENERAL%20CROP%20(61).webp)
ExclusiveLowdon on Cadillac’s preparations ahead of 2026 debut
Cadillac boss Towriss explains Herta’s move to F2
Mekies expects Red Bull have ‘mountain to climb’ with 2026 engine.webp)
F1 AcademyF1 ACADEMY announces landmark rookie test
Wolff reflects on Antonelli’s ‘underwhelming’ Monza weekend