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
ExclusiveHow Williams rebuilt one of their most iconic F1 cars
How Alpine’s 2026 season has played out so far
Why have Cadillac decided to replace Lowdon with Budkowski?
UnlockedCan anyone stop Antonelli winning Italy’s first title since 1953?
BettingThe biggest market movers as F1 summer break ends
ExclusiveWhy switching off is one of the most vital skills for F1 drivers