George Russell continues his strong start to the season: after his victory in Melbourne, the Mercedes Brit was also the fastest in the first free practice in Shanghai. It was a trouble-free session for the Silver Arrows, who are clearly positioning themselves as title contenders this year. Max Verstappen recorded only the eighth fastest time. View the results of the session below.

Read more Sprint Qualifying Chinese GP: Russell leads one-two for Mercedes, Verstappen P8

Read also: FP1 Chinese GP: Flying start for George Russell, eighth time for Max Verstappen

Read more Sprint qualifying results Chinese GP 2026

• Pos
  Driver
  Team
  Nationality
  Time
• George Russell

  Mercedes

  
  1:32.741
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli

  Mercedes

  
  + 0.120
• Lando Norris

  McLaren

  
  + 0.555
• Oscar Piastri

  McLaren

  
  + 0.731
• Charles Leclerc

  Ferrari

  
  + 0.858
• Lewis Hamilton

  Ferrari

  
  + 1.388
• Oliver Bearman

  Haas

  
  + 1.685
• Max Verstappen

  Red Bull

  
  + 1.800
• Nico Hülkenberg

  Audi

  
  + 1.898
• Pierre Gasly

  Alpine

  
  + 1.935
• Liam Lawson

  Racing Bulls

  
  + 2.032
• Gabriel Bortoleto

  Audi

  
  + 2.087
• Isack Hadjar

  Red Bull

  
  + 2.115
• Esteban Ocon

  Haas

  
  + 2.136
• Franco Colapinto

  Alpine

  
  + 2.206
• Alexander Albon

  Williams

  
  + 2.739
• Carlos Sainz Jr

  Williams

  
  + 2.938
• Fernando Alonso

  Aston Martin

  
  + 3.115
• Valtteri Bottas

  Cadillac

  
  + 3.316
• Lance Stroll

  Aston Martin

  
  + 4.483
• Arvid Lindblad

  Racing Bulls

  
  + 5.155
• Sergio Pérez

  Cadillac

  
  + 6.459

Read everything about the Chinese GP here