Chinese GP Sprint provisional grid after stewards hand out verdicts
Photo: Race Pictures
16:00, 13 Mar
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Samson Ero is a Formula 1 editor at GPblog with seven years’ experience in sports media. He covers key paddock developments, offering analysis on drivers, teams, and performance trends, with work featured on leading platforms.
The provisional starting grid for the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint race has been set following an eventful Sprint qualifying session at the Shanghai International Circuit.
George Russell stormed to pole position with a stunning lap of 1:31.520, leading a front-row lockout for Mercedes team alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli.
Behind the Mercedes pair, Lando Norris secured third place and will start from the second row alongside Lewis Hamilton. Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri set the fifth-fastest time of the session, ahead of Charles Leclerc.
George Russell - Photo: Race Pictures
The remainder of the top ten is made up of Pierre Gasly, Max Verstappen, Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar.
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Several drivers were also summoned to the stewards following incidents during the session. Gasly was investigated after an on-track moment involving Verstappen, while Antonelli was called in for allegedly impeding Norris.
With the stewards having now delivered their verdicts on the various incidents from Sprint qualifying, the provisional starting grid for the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint race is confirmed.
Provisional starting grid for Chinese GP Sprint
| Grid Position | Driver | |
| 1 | George Russell (Mercedes) | |
| 2 | Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) | |
| 3 | Lando Norris (McLaren) | |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) | |
| 5 | Oscar Piastri (McLaren) | |
| 6 | Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) | |
| 7 | Pierre Gasly (Alpine) | |
| 8 | Max Verstappen (Red Bull) | |
| 9 | Oliver Bearman (Haas) | |
| 10 | Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) | |
| 11 | Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) | |
| 12 | Esteban Ocon (Haas) | |
| 13 | Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) | |
| 14 | Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) | |
| 15 | Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) | |
| 16 | Franco Colapinto (Alpine) | |
| 17 | Carlos Sainz (Williams) | |
| 18 | Alex Albon (Williams) | |
| 19 | Fernando Alonso | |
| 20 | Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) | |
| 21 | Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) | |
| 22 | Sergio Perez (Cadillac) |
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