Chinese Grand Prix starting grid confirmed as FIA issue second pit lane start

Following his record breaking qualifying, F1’s youngest ever pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli starts on the front row with Mercedes teammate George Russell, whose last-gasp Q3 lap places him ahead of the Ferraris on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, start the Chinese GP ahead of the two McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, respectively.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton equals his best qualifying for Ferrari in P3, as he looks to finally secure his first podium for the Scuderia.

In P7 starts Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, continuing his improved form in 2026, with Max Verstappen just next to him on the fourth row in his struggling Red Bull.

Verstappen’s teammate Isack Hadjar is in P9, with Haas’ Ollie Bearman completing the top 10.

Further back on the grid, it’s a familiar story, as Williams, Aston Martin and Cadillac make up the bottom six once again in Shanghai.

Williams’ disappointing start to 2026, failing to build on their momentum from a P5 finish last year, has got even worse, as Alex Albon will start the Chinese GP from the pit lane following changes to his set up under Parc Fermé conditions.

The Thai driver started from the pit lane for the Sprint Race after making suspension changes under Parc Fermé, and does so again for the Grand Prix for the same reasons.

The FIA statement read: “Atlassian Williams F1 Team changed the setup of the suspension of Car 23 under Parc Ferme, this not being in accordance with Article B3.5.7 of the FIA F1 Regulations.

The bottom five is therefore now Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, and Albon.

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.