After a one-two finish in the Japanese Grand Prix, Red Bull have stayed on top in the 2024 Formula 1 standings. However, the Milton Keynes outfit is facing heavy resistance from Ferrari, who have also done well for themselves in recent weeks.
So, as we head to the Chinese Grand Prix, the tug-of-war between these two sides will be watched closely by race fans.
Meanwhile, because it has been a long time since we had a race in Shanghai, several drivers are out to make an impression this weekend, including Zhou Guanyu, who is looking for his first points finish this season.
Without further ado, SBOTOP is here to discuss the latest Chinese Grand Prix 2024 updates as we look forward to another fun weekend.
Sainz and Leclerc give Ferrari hope
Max Verstappen’s DNF in the Australian Grand Prix gave Ferrari a bit of daylight, as Carlos Sainz won his first race of the 2024 Formula 1 season in Melbourne. To this day, he remains the only non-Red Bull driver to have won a race since last year.
Since recovering from appendicitis, Carlos Sainz has been banging in form because he now has a 100-per cent podium finishing record whenever he has started a race. Perhaps being “jobless” in 2025 has lit a fire under the Spaniard.
On the other hand, Charles Leclerc is not doing too shabby himself because he has been on the podium in two of the first four races (two P4 finishes).
But in order to catch up or even leapfrog Red Bull, Ferrari will need more from Sainz and Leclerc, especially Leclerc, who admitted that he is lagging behind his teammate.
According to track experts, the Shanghai International Circuit suits Ferrari more than the track they had in Suzuka because of its twisty nature with 16 corners and only two DRS zones, so it’s up to them to capitalise.
Guanyu eager to impress at home
Zhou Guanyu is looking for a big bounceback performance in Shanghai after finishing outside of the points yet again following a DNF during the Japanese Grand Prix (gearbox failure).
The 24-year-old driver made his debut with Kick Sauber in 2022, but he has never reached the podium, let alone won a race.
If Kick Sauber tighten up their pit stop strategy, then they have a shot at getting points on Sunday because they have a decent race pace.
But while the focus will be on getting the best possible result this weekend, Zhou Guanyu will also have to put his ambassador hat on because he is the first Chinese-born driver in Formula 1 history.
“I couldn’t be more excited to finally race on home soil in Shanghai. To be the first Chinese driver ever to compete in Formula 1 in China means a lot to me; it fills me with immense joy, pride, and responsibility,” Zhou said.
“It isn’t just a race for me; after four years off the calendar, the championship finally returns, and with a Chinese driver on the grid, we will write history,” he added.
History
The Chinese Grand Prix is back on the Formula 1 calendar for the first time in five years. And the last time that this event was held in 2019, it was Lewis Hamilton who won his record sixth with Mercedes.
There were no races on the Shanghai International Circuit from 2020 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that span, Racing Point have become Aston Martin, Renault have become Alpine, Alfa Romeo have become Kick Sauber, and Toro Rosso have become AlphaTauri.
The Shanghai International Circuit has delivered some classic races before, as this was where the great Michael Schumacher won his last Formula 1 race in 2006. Meanwhile, Rubens Barrichello was the first-ever winner of this race in 2004.
Of the current grid, four drivers have never raced in Shanghai, such as Oscar Piastri, Yuki Tsunoda, Logan Sargeant, and Zhou Guanyu.
What are the odds?
Although it’s expected to be a close fight between Red Bull and Ferrari, the Chinese Grand Prix 2024 odds are still in favour of Max Verstappen to win his fourth race of the 2024 season on Sunday, as he is priced at 1.20 compared to 3.63 against any other driver.
Fellow Red Bull Sergio Perez is right behind Verstappen at 1.35, while the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc are likely to fight for the final podium spot at 1.60 and 1.77, respectively. Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso are the outside challengers for the third and final podium spot at 2.02 and 2.28 odds, respectively.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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