A week after the season opener in Melbourne, Formula 1 has already traveled to Shanghai. The second Grand Prix, the Chinese GP, will be held in the Chinese city this coming weekend. Naturally, the traditional media day was scheduled for the Thursday preceding the race weekend. However, the drivers didn’t just do interviews at the Shanghai International Circuit: Carlos Sainz had time for a game of table tennis and a bike ride around the track, while Gabriel Bortoleto, Alex Albon, and Max Verstappen laughed at memes together.
Lewis Hamilton took his mother on holiday to the Rissai Valley and the Jiuzhaigou National Park ahead of the Chinese race weekend (Lewis Hamilton’s Instagram).
Charles Leclerc has to get to work immediately upon arrival in the paddock. Several Chinese fans would like an autograph from the Monegasque on their Ferrari caps (Getty Images).Oscar Piastri was also immediately asked for his autograph, but on a very special piece of art. A fan has completely repainted the group photo of the drivers (Getty Images).While the drivers spoke to the press, the final touches were being put on the circuit, including the signage for the Grand Prix (Getty Images).Thursday is also the time for the drivers’ ‘grid walk’, although Carlos Sainz prefers the bike in Shanghai (Getty Images).Valtteri Bottas – who has even participated in cycling races – also couldn’t resist a lap around the Shanghai International Circuit (Getty Images).It was a sporty day for Sainz right away in Shanghai. In addition to cycling, the Spaniard also played a game of table tennis with teammate Alexander Albon (Getty Images).Alexander Albon takes the game of table tennis in the paddock against his teammate seriously (Getty Images)In addition to sporting activities, the drivers also had to attend the press conference. Gabriel Bortoleto shows Alexander Albon and Max Verstappen something on his phone, making the two laugh. Could it be the Mario Kart videos that went viral after the Australian GP? (Getty Images).
