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Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix - FP1 summary and results

Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix - FP1 summary and results

12-04-2019 04:30 Last update: 04:35
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Sebastian Vettel has topped the timesheets in free practice one, but Ferrari missed out on the one-two after Lewis Hamilton split the two Scuderia men. The top four cars spent most of the session swapping and changing showing signs of a small gap. Vettel topped the timesheets with a 1:33.911, with Hamilton just over 0.200 behind. 

Max Verstappen lifted his Red Bull into fourth with their upgrades. The Red Bull looked a little more competitive perhaps a welcome sight for many as Formula 1 prepares for the 1000th race.

Last year's Chinese Grand Prix winner, Daniel Ricciardo, produced his best result in a Renault with a P6 finish. Six places higher than his teammate Nico Hulkenberg, as Ricciardo looks for drastic improvements. 

In a session which featured little incidents, Antonio Giovinazzi prevented Williams finishing last as he didn't have much power during his installation lap. 

Mercedes play it call

Mercedes were last into the garage, and last out on track. But as soon as they got out, they managed to top the timesheets straight away. Ferrari quickly replied, but it was the Silver Arrows who had more to show.

Throughout the session, all four drivers were swapping and changing positions, perhaps showing clues of a small difference between the Ferrari and Mercedes cars this weekend.

Tyres

When the drivers put on the soft tyres, significantly improves were seen up and down the grid. Most notably Daniel Ricciardo who shot up to third place from P15.

The soft tyre seems to be much much quicker than the medium compound. Though conditions will be cooler on Saturday and Sunday.