FP1: Vettel beats Hamilton to lead opening practice

Sebastian Vettel has topped the opening practice session from China, beating Lewis Hamilton to the top spot.

The German's fastest lap was a 1:33.911 on the medium compound which was two-tenths quicker than Hamilton. The second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc was third, with the Monegasque driver marginally slower than Hamilton.

Max Verstappen was the fastest Red Bull, as he ended the session in fourth place, ahead of Valtteri Bottas who was seven-tenths down on pace-setter Vettel.

Antonio Giovinazzi failed to complete a lap throughout the session, as Alfa Romeo uncovered an issue with his power unit that stopped him from taking to the circuit. 

Daniel Ricciardo was sixth when the chequered flag fell, setting his fastest time on the soft tyre, leading his Red Bull replacement Pierre Gasly.

Daniil Kvyat was eighth for Toro Rosso, while Lance Stroll was ninth. The Canadian had a half-spin early on in the session at the final corner, complaining of little temperature from his rear tyres.

Romain Grosjean rounded out the top ten, ending up just 0.010s ahead of his teammate Kevin Magnussen

Four-tenths of a second separated sixth to 13th, with the latter mentioned position occupied by the McLaren of Lando Norris, who will be hoping to bring the strong momentum from Bahrain to Shanghai. 

His teammate Carlos Sainz was 16th, with Alexander Albon and Kimi Raikkonen lodged in between the two McLarens. 

Both Williams were the last of the drivers on the timesheets, as Robert Kubica followed Sergio Perez in front by one second. 

CN Shanghai International Circuit - 12 April 2019

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Country Germany
  • Date of b. Jul 3 1987 (38)
  • Place of b. Heppenheim, Germany
  • Weight 62 kg
  • Length 1.75 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar