Formula 1 drivers discovered an unexpected change to the track surface at the Shanghai International Circuit ahead of this weekend’s race.
While it initially appeared the track had been resurfaced, this is not the case. When teams arrived at the circuit they discovered a sealant had been applied to the 5.4-kilometre course.
The work was done two years ago and it has given the track the appearance of being painted. Several drivers commented on the change ahead of the race weekend, saying they are unsure whether it will improve or worsen grip levels at the track.
McLaren driver Lando Norris said he had never seen such a procedure used before and he had “no idea” what affect it might have. “We have to wait and see, honestly.
“I think that’s something new, something we don’t think we’ve seen before, so it’s hard to predict exactly what’s going to happen. So I honestly have no idea.”
Charles Leclerc said it could produce tricky driving conditions if the sealant has not been applied consistently across the whole track.
“It’s difficult to predict because I think also, it depends a lot on [what they used]. That can cause different issues, or have no issues at all. I hope it’s the latter that will be the case tomorrow.
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“For now, it’s very difficult to predict. I have only seen pictures, I haven’t gone around the track yet. I don’t think it’s the same everywhere, which also might not be great.
“But before adding further comments, I think we just have to drive and see how it feels. Maybe it’s actually a completely fine, so we’ll find out tomorrow.”
F1 has returned to Shanghai for the first time in five years as the Covid-19 pandemic. All bar six of the current drivers have raced at the track in F1 previously.
Leclerc said he is keen to return to the circuit. “I have only raced twice here but it’s always been a very, very interesting track.
“It’s a very nice track to drive on and a track where there are many, many different lines possible, especially in turns one, two and three. And all those long corners, they are very different ways of taking those corners, which makes it exciting for us.”
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2024 Chinese Grand Prix
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