F1 Today | Team principals in the spotlight after Chinese Grand Prix

Another Grand Prix, another Max Verstappen victory in the 2024 season. For the fourth time in a row, it was the defending champion who crossed the chequered flag in P1. Thanks to Lance Stroll, and the team principals, the aftermath of the race in China also gave another interesting angle to this weekend.

Verstappen remains in charge, Stroll causes chaos

After a convincing victory in the Sprint, there was little doubt about who would win the Chinese Grand Prix. Verstappen dominated once again, as he finished ahead of Lando Norris and Sergio Perez.

However, there were some memorable moments. First, on the first safety car restart, Lance Stroll collided with Daniel Ricciardo in Turn 14. The Aston Martin blamed the concertina effect, but Ricciardo was deeply upset with the Canadian. Stroll received a 10-second penalty for this incident. That made team principal Mike Krack really upset after the race. While many drivers and fans alike blamed Stroll, Krack stood up for his driver.

"I think it was a chain reaction at the end of the day. You can see it as you want. Last time it was the car in front that got the penalty in Melbourne. If you remember, even without touching this time, it was the car behind," the Aston Martin team principal believes.

Home favourite Guanyu Zhou was the first Chinese driver to compete in Shanghai in a Formula One race. The Stake F1 driver could park his car in a dedicated spot only for him on the straight after the race, a wholesome moment which made Zhou so happy he even shed some tears as the fans congratulated him.

You can read our full report here.

Another bout between Wolff and Horner for Verstappen

After the race, both team principals talked to the press in the Shanghai paddock. It was Toto Wolff's turn first, who is in need to sign another driver after it has been announced that Lewis Hamilton will compete for Ferrari from next season onwards. "When you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say, that's the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver. But I don't think that this is the only reason you stay where you are. I think for simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that's it. But maybe there's more depth to some people that consider other factors too. And I think that Max has that. I don't think it's a matter of convincing. I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone. And he will take decisions that he feels are good for him," the Mercedes team principal said about the Dutchman.

Immediately after, Christian Horner was asked to comment on Wolff's answers. "I don't think Toto's problems are resolved as drivers. I think he's probably got other elements that he needs to be focusing on rather than focusing on drivers that are unavailable," Horner replied to the Austrian.

Horner, asked about his team, also said there is a peaceful enviroment at Red Bull Racing at the moment, which is one of the demands of the three-time world champion.