Method 1 strikes on to Japan after one other Mercedes one-two in China, with Kimi Antonelli pipping George Russell from pole and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton third
Lewis Hamilton completed third on the Chinese language Grand Prix, forward of Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc (Picture: Getty) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Study extra
Hiya! Welcome to reside protection of the newest Method 1 information after final week’s Chinese language Grand Prix. The second race of the 2026 season noticed one other Mercedes one-two, with Kimi Antonelli successful after qualifying in pole place.
George Russell joined his teammate on the rostrum, with Lewis Hamilton third for the primary time since becoming a member of Ferrari final season. The latter completed a spot in entrance of teammate Charles Leclerc, with their staff principal Fred Vasseur saying it’s “tough to cease them” battling it out on the observe.
Away from China, it has been confirmed that races in each Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled because of the tensions within the Center East. It now means there are at present no races scheduled for April, which additionally raises doubts in regards to the futures of the ultimate two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The FIA, in consequence, are reportedly additionally contemplating rewording its rules round an upcoming engine or energy unit improve because of the disruption.
Comply with alongside under for updates all through the day…
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8 hours in the past22:28 Patrick Austen-Hardy
Audi boss lashes out at Max Verstappen complaints
Audi boss Jonathan Wheatley believes Max Verstappen is just sad with the controversial new F1 rules as a result of Purple Bull are struggling. Verstappen endured a DNF on the Chinese language GP and proceeded to lash out on the new rules, as soon as once more evaluating F1 to online game Mario Kart.
Nonetheless, Wheatley had little sympathy for the four-time winner. He instructed the media: “I let you know what I’d say. I suppose if you happen to spoke to the 2 Ferrari drivers, they’d say that they had an excellent day.
“When you can’t win, then if you happen to can simply race cleanly, I’ve to say it didn’t seem like any type of false racing to me. Every driver had a go at one another.
“They raced superbly, cleanly. I loved watching it. There are battles occurring within the discipline that I believe are vastly encouraging. I believe you may perceive Max’s feedback maybe due to the place he finds himself.”
Aston Martin chief observe officer Mike Krack believes McLaren are enduring the identical points as his staff. Oscar Piastri and defending champion Lando Norris each endured DNS finishes on the Chinese language Grand Prix after enduring separate energy unit points
Whereas they took the headlines, Fernando Alonso endured vibration points all through the GP earlier than he suffered a DNF. When addressing his staff’s points, Krack believes there are related issues within the McLaren camp.
Krack stated: “Vibrations essentially have an effect on reliability. We’ve to carry in a number of areas, however we aren’t speaking about seconds of loss. In some changes, we’re extra conservative, however we don’t miss many advantages.
“I’ve plenty of respect for rivals; all of them work arduous, and all of us have the identical issues. I don’t need anybody to take automobiles off the grid. With out figuring out the precise drawback, it reveals that this may additionally occur to a staff like McLaren”.
10 hours in the past20:15 Connor O’Neill
Toto Wolff sends message to Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen has been instructed by Toto Wolff that his “horror present” at Purple Bull is contributing to his criticism of Method 1’s new 2026 rules.
Verstappen has been deeply essential in regards to the rules which place an onus on drivers managing battery energy in addition to utilizing a lift button to overhaul.
However Mercedes staff principal Wolff hit again saying: “Max is in a horror present. If you take a look at the onboard that he has in qualifying, it is simply horrendous to drive. You may see that. Nevertheless it’s not the identical with many different groups.
“From an leisure perspective, I consider that what we have seen between Ferrari and Mercedes was good racing. Many overtakes. We had been all a part of Method 1, the place there was no overtake, actually.
“Generally we’re too nostalgic in regards to the good outdated years. However I believe the product is nice in itself. We noticed fairly some racing within the midfield additionally.
“Now, from a driver’s standpoint, in relation to the qualifying lap, that’s totally different. Clearly, lifting and coasting in qualifying – I am positive for somebody like Max, who’s a full-attack man, it is tough to manage and digest.
“Nevertheless it’s extra, I’d say, a car-specific situation that magnifies the issue that it’s as a result of if you happen to sit in entrance of a TV or in entrance of a display screen, even Max would say that was attention-grabbing racing within the entrance.”
Max Verstappen forward of the Chinese language Grand Prix (Picture: Getty) 12 hours in the past18:58 Connor O’Neill
Toto Wolff hoping to keep away from Lewis Hamilton repeat
Toto Wolff is assured Mercedes will keep away from a repeat of Lewis Hamilton’s poisonous rivalry with Nico Rosberg after Kimi Antonelli emerged as a critical menace to team-mate George Russell’s world championship bid.
He stated: “The connection between Lewis and Nico was fully totally different. Nico and Lewis knew one another from their early karting days, being associates but additionally having this social combat that was at all times engrained inside them.
“It was a friendship that then grew to become a rivalry after which animosity. They had been two totally different drivers. However having stated that, it’s worthwhile to admire that drivers are right here to win races and championships, and the second you sniff that, clearly then the elbows come out. That’s one thing that the staff must handle.
“However each Kimi and George are Mercedes juniors, and we’ve been chargeable for the trajectory since single-seaters. So, I really feel at this stage – and possibly I’m going to chew my tongue someday – that we’re in a very totally different state of affairs.”
Toto Wolff hugs Kimi Antonelli (Picture: Getty) 12 hours in the past18:20 Patrick Austen-Hardy
Fred Vasseur place on the brand new compression ratio regulation
Ferrari staff principal Fred Vasseur has insisted the brand new compression ratio rules won’t impact the 2026 F1 marketing campaign. The FIA determined to change compression ratio rules from June 1 onwards, which can imply energy models will bear additional testing procedures.
Nonetheless, Vasseur expects little to vary when these adjustments come into place. He stated: “I am not satisfied that the brand new compression ratio rule shall be a sport changer or an enormous sport changer.
“It is extra that you’ll have the ADUO at one stage, that the introduction of the ADUO shall be a possibility for us to shut the hole.
“However as soon as once more, it is not nearly pure efficiency. I believe you’ve got so much in vitality administration, so much within the chassis. It will be a mistake from our facet to be simply targeted on one parameter.”
(Picture: Getty) 13 hours in the past17:30 Patrick Austen-Hardy
Purple Bull's non-public jet assembly after Max Verstappen disappointment
Purple Bull staff principal Laurent Mekies, technical director Pierre Wache, lead race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and Max Verstappen’s supervisor Raymond Vermeulen had a gathering on the F1 driver’s non-public jet after the disappointing Chinese language Grand Prix.
Verstappen endured a DNF in Shanghai whereas Isack Hadjar completed eighth, one place behind Racing Bulls Liam Lawson. After the race, Mekies cancelled his media session to leap on a flight with the Purple Bull chiefs.
It has been a disappointing begin for the blue model this yr, with Verstappen ending sixth in Australia, whereas additionally utilizing ever alternative to hit out on the new race rules this yr.
14 hours in the past16:56 Patrick Austen-Hardy
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen disagreement
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have contrasting ideas on F1’s new energy unit rules. The Purple Bull driver tore into the information guidelines shortly after his DNF on the Chinese language GP.
Verstappen stated: “It isn’t enjoyable in any respect, no. It is taking part in Mario Kart. This isn’t racing. I imply we had been slower this weekend, so we had been combating Haas and Alpine the entire race. After all another automobiles sure. Have a look at the racing, you might be boosting previous and you then run out of battery the following straight, they enhance previous you once more. For me it is only a joke.”
Nonetheless, Hamilton feels so much happier with the rules, saying it is now simpler to observe automobiles, making the racing expertise “one of the best” he is had. The Ferrari ace stated:
“Yeah, the automobiles are simpler to observe, significantly better than previous years. You may get very shut. There’s not a foul wake the place you’re shedding an excessive amount of downforce.
“I believe it’s one of the best racing that I’ve ever skilled in Method 1. After all, these guys are pulling previous us at loopy speeds, however to have the ability to all be so shut… It’s nice that now we have the great begin for the time being and hopefully that stays the identical by way of the yr.
“Provided that they’ve gone for a distinct choice the place they’ve extra energy, we’ve received to determine how we are able to enhance our straight-line pace. However hopefully it was an thrilling race to observe for you guys as a result of it was superior within the automobile.
“It felt like go-karting, backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards, and you would actually place your automobile in a pleasant method the place there was a skinny piece of paper between us typically, however we didn’t trade any paint. I believe that’s right down to nice drivers and respect.”
Ferrari eliminated its new halo mini wings on the Chinese language Grand Priz after holding discussions with the FIA. In free observe, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton each trialled its new ‘flip-flop’ the wrong way up idea on the rear wing, which permits the higher rear wing factor to run the wrong way up throughout straight mode.
Furthermore, as a “minor replace” the winglett had additionally been added to the central aero pillar. As a part of their official submissions to the FIA, it stated this addition was: “Not occasion particular, it merely returns a small aerodynamic load profit.”
However between the dash race and qualifying, they had been eliminated and never taken into the GP itself. In response to ‘The Race’ this resolution was taken as a result of there was a debate between the Scuderia and the FIA in regards to the wings being “borderline” within the rules.
Ferrari then determined the wings weren’t definitely worth the hassle of any post-match protests and debate being lodged towards them by both the FIA or rival groups.
15 hours in the past15:21 Josh Holland
Jannik Sinner provides Kimi Antonelli shoutout after win
Tennis star Jannik Sinner has given a shoutout to his fellow countryman Kimi Antonelli throughout his Indian Wells title acceptance speech.
Antonelli grew to become the second-youngest F1 grand prix winner in Shanghai on Sunday and Sinner made positive he gave Antonelli the credit score he deserves.
“It has nothing to do with tennis, but it surely has been a special occasion for Italy as a result of I am an enormous Method 1 fan and having a really, very younger Italian Kimi, bringing Italy again house on the highest,” the 24-year-old tennis participant stated.
“It is wonderful, so thanks. Thanks Kimi. Thanks Method 1 and see you all subsequent yr.”
(Picture: Getty) 17 hours in the past13:47 Patrick Austen-Hardy
Hamilton accused of 'destroying' Chinese language GP
Ex-F1 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve has accused Lewis Hamltilon of “destroying” Ferrari’s Chinese language Grand Prix after his battle with teammate Charles Leclerc.
The race run by the seven-time world champion has been described as “excessive” with the suggestion that the antics broken Ferrari’s possibilities in Shanghai. Hamilton was third quickest within the dash and completed third behind the Mercedes one-two of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, the 41-year-old is now going through claims that the battle along with his teammate aided their rivals.
Villeneuve stated: “Nicely, it was truthful as a result of he completed third, and he managed to beat his teammate. So, sure, it turned out okay, but it surely was just a little bit excessive, and it destroyed Ferrari’s race.
“They had been operating second and third. Then they had been combating so arduous, destroying their tyres. And in these two laps, they misplaced 5 seconds to Antonelli.”
Learn the total story right here
(Picture: Getty)
Ralf Schumacher has instructed Max Verstappen to give attention to serving to Purple Bull enhance fairly than complain in regards to the 2026 rules.
The four-time world champion didn’t maintain again in his criticism on the new guidelines, claiming that “it is not enjoyable in any respect, it is like taking part in Mario Kart” and that “this isn’t racing”.
Chatting with Sky Deutschland, former German driver Schumacher has instructed the Dutchman to give attention to the racing. “Max has confirmed that he’s the quickest driver. Now he wants to assist his staff, which is having issues and cease whining. The truth that he then merely desires to drive in a distinct racing collection… you are able to do that, however you do not have to.”
“These new guidelines had been determined 4 years in the past. Again then, everybody solely wished electrical automobiles, you should not overlook that. Many groups invested an unbelievable sum of money right here.”
(Picture: Getty) 18 hours in the past12:34 Josh Holland
FIA contemplating energy unit rule change
The FIA are reportedly contemplating altering their guidelines round energy unit improvement this season.
The brand new rules in 2026 embrace a pathway for energy unit producers to enhance their engines at totally different factors within the season to keep away from a staff operating away with the championship.
Journalist Jon Noble has insisted that the FIA might alter the timings related to programme. “I believe the opposite necessary factor is the engine or energy unit improve,” he stated on The Race F1 Podcast.
“There are metrics within the guidelines for this extra improvement and improve alternatives, ADUO, a traditional F1 phrase now. Which was initially going to be after race six, which was Miami. Now we’ve misplaced Bahrain and Saudi [Arabia], race six is Monaco, I believe I’m proper.
“However from what we perceive, the FIA are going to vary the wording of the rules so it is going to both turn out to be a set date or shall be an earlier race to divide the season into 4.
“So, it’s nonetheless prone to be round Miami time. It’s in case your energy unit’s deemed to be 2% behind the benchmark, and I believe I’m appropriate in saying that Fred Vasseur stated tonight on present efficiency, he expects them to get an ADUO uplift.”
(Picture: Getty) 19 hours in the past12:08 Josh Holland
Verstappen's scathing assault on F1 rules
Max Verstappen has delivered his most scathing assault but on this yr’s rules and has warned that they’ll “finally destroy the game”.
“It’s horrible, and if somebody likes this, you then actually don’t know what racing is about,” Verstappen stated.
“It isn’t enjoyable in any respect. It’s Mario Kart. This isn’t racing. We’re boosting previous, you then run out of battery, they usually enhance again previous you once more. For me, it’s only a joke (i.e. faux passing).
“I’d say the identical if I used to be successful as a result of I care in regards to the racing product. It’s essentially flawed. It’s painful. It is going to finally destroy the game, and it’ll come again to chew them.”
(Picture: Getty) 20 hours in the past11:00 Amie Wilson
Present standings
Here is the present standings following the Chinese language Grand Prix.
1: George Russell (Mercedes) – 51 factors
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 47 factors
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 34 factors
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 33 factors
5. Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 17 factors
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 15 factors
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 9 factors
8. Max Verstappen (Purple Bull) – 8 factors
9. Liam Lawson (RB) – 8 factors
10. Arvid Linblad (RB) – 4 factors
(Picture: Getty) 20 hours in the past10:40 Amie Wilson
FIA discusssions led to Ferrari change
Ferrari reportedly determined to take away their new halo wings from the automobiles for the Chinese language Grand Prix. The brand new components had been utilized in each observe and the dash factor, however had been nowhere to be seen in qualifying and the race on Saturday and Sunday.
The Race report that the choice was made after holding discussions with the FIA concerning their legality. It is reported that it was felt it was ‘borderline’, with Ferrari not keen to take the chance of any attainable repercussions if the FIA or a rival staff determined to protest, with the wings solely offering a profit of some hundredths of a second.
21 hours in the past10:01 Amie Wilson
Bonnington outlines Antonelli shock
Mercedes engineer Peter Bonnigton has outlined how Kimi Antonelli continues to shock him along with his driving, following his maiden F1 victory.
Chatting with Sky Sports activities, he stated:
“It reveals up so much within the information, in that there’s the stability traces that we take a look at. If you kind of take a look at it and also you suppose: ‘I don’t know the way he’s driving a automobile so impartial, but retaining all of it collectively, retaining the temperatures below management, but the factor is able to pivot by itself axis.’
“It’s a factor to observe, and yeah, it’s nice to see. And so they at all times come again with suggestions that you simply suppose, you’re in a position to adapt to plenty of issues.
“And so, actually, that they arrive again and say it must be turned on its head, it’s simply they’ll adapt to stuff.”
F1 are reportedly discussing making a mid-season rule change concerning the ability models, which may gain advantage each Aston Martin and Ferrari, in keeping with journalist Jon Noble.
Talking on the Race F1 podcast, he stated:
“I believe the opposite necessary factor is the engine or energy unit improve.
“There are metrics within the guidelines for this extra improvement and improve alternatives, ADUO, a traditional F1 phrase now.
“Which was initially going to be after race six, which was Miami. Now we’ve misplaced Bahrain and Saudi [Arabia], race six is Monaco, I believe I’m proper.
“However from what we perceive, the FIA are going to vary the wording of the rules so it is going to both turn out to be a set date or shall be an earlier race to divide the season into 4.
“So, it’s nonetheless prone to be round Miami time. It’s in case your energy unit’s deemed to be 2% behind the benchmark, and I believe I’m appropriate in saying that Fred Vasseur stated tonight on present efficiency, he expects them to get an ADUO uplift.”
22 hours in the past09:00 Amie Wilson
Lewis Hamilton message
Lewis Hamilton has taken to Instagram following his podium end in China.
Sharing numerous photos of him on the rostrum and publish race, he wrote:
“P3 IN SHANGHAI. It was a combat from begin to end however probably the most pleasing races I’ve had in years.
“Beloved each battle with Charles – we push one another to be higher and do all we are able to to deliver factors house for the staff.
“The followers right here had been unreal, we couldn’t have accomplished it with out their vitality. Huge shout to the staff, and big congratulations to Mercedes and Kimi. Let’s hold this up !!”
View this publish on Instagram
22 hours in the past08:29 Amie Wilson
Oscar Piastri claims undesirable document
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has turn out to be the primary driver in F1 historical past to undergo two did-not-starts within the first two F1 races of the season.
After his crash on the best way to the grid in Australia, {an electrical} situation in his energy unit meant that he needed to be wheeled off the grid earlier than the beginning of the Chinese language Grand Prix.
It is the primary time {that a} McLaren driver has failed to start out consecutive races because the staff’s founder, Bruce McLaren, in 1969.
(Picture: Getty)
A gathering between Method 1 bosses to evaluation the game’s new adjustments has reportedly been cancelled. The choice is prone to additional frustrate four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, who has expressed annoyance on the new F1 guidelines in 2026.
The Purple Bull driver launched a recent assault on the brand new era of Method 1 automobiles after being pressured to retire from Sunday’s Chinese language Grand Prix. The 28-year-old has claimed they’ll “finally destroy the game”.
24 hours in the past06:56 Amie Wilson
Viral Kimi Antonelli podium mistake
F1 followers had been left amused when a mistake on Kimi Antonelli’s podium second was observed.
Shared by Mercedes on their official X account. As Antonelli makes his strategy to the rostrum, he’s introduced as Kimi Raikkonen.
The Italian smiles and appears barely confused earlier than making his strategy to the highest of the rostrum.
In reply to the publish, followers confirmed their amusement: “That’s why he seemed so confused. After I watched the race, I believed he had misplaced or one thing, like why would he be shocked about Lewis and George had already there,” one stated.
A second added: “Did not know Kimi Raikkonen was Italian.”
Ermu2026 that doesnu2019t sound correct? ud83dude02 pic.twitter.com/9NsvSRTyse
u2014 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Staff (@MercedesAMGF1) March 15, 2026
24 hours in the past06:55 Amie Wilson
Lewis Hamilton wins Oscar
In addition to the Chinese language Grand Prix, Sunday additionally noticed the Oscars happening, with extra success for Lewis Hamilton.
His F1 film was nominated for 4 awards, together with Greatest Image and Visible Results. Whereas lacking out on these, it nonetheless took one award from the night, taking the Greatest Sound Oscar.
Hamilton was unable to attend the awards attributable to competing in China, however did obtain a shoutout throughout the acceptance speech.
The movie, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, was launched in June final yr and has additionally claimed a Grammy and BAFTA.
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