Chinese Grand Prix LIVE: Latest updates with Kimi Antonelli on pole, McLaren in limbo to start
Kimi Antonelli looks to convert his record Chinese Grand Prix pole into a maiden Formula 1 victory on Sunday, and you can watch it all live on ESPN here:
Despite a gearbox problem for George Russell, Mercedes secured a second consecutive front row lockout for the Shanghai race – Russell was only able to complete a single flying lap in Q3, but it was enough with Mercedes’ pace taking them to a one-two finish in qualifying. As the pace of the race suggests, Ferrari was close behind – with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc just behind them in 3-4. Watch out for their potential explosive start on Sunday, although the Australian Grand Prix and the Sprint race here at the Chinese Grand Prix indicate that Mercedes’ dominance of the race flow will be very difficult to challenge.
Elsewhere, four-time world champion Max Verstappen continued to express his displeasure with the Red Bull car after a disappointing qualifying, leaving him eighth on the grid behind Alpine’s Pierre Gasly who impressed.
Oscar Piastri and reigning world champion Lando Norris will line up fifth and sixth respectively for McLaren.
Earlier on Saturday, a dramatic sprint race saw George Russell hold off Lewis Hamilton’s early challenge, and later Charles Leclerc’s late surge, to win the sprint and extend his very early lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings.
Kimi Antonelli had a poor start in this race but recovered to finish fourth – but that’s the kind of start the record-breaker will want to avoid from pole today.
