Rubens Barrichello,  Ferrari F2004 leads at the start of the race
Prime
Opinion

How F1’s arrival in China proved a success in unexpected ways

OPINION: As Formula 1 prepares to return to China for the first time since 2019, MARK GALLAGHER looks back on the race’s origins and why it has proved so important

It is bizarre to consider a new season which starts on the last day of February and runs until the second week in December. Not only is it Formula 1’s most ambitious ever calendar, it’s the first to lay COVID to rest. Isn’t that in the past?

Not if you live in China, a country which hasn’t hosted its grand prix since 2019. Notwithstanding further pandemics, when the cars exit the pitlane at Shanghai International Circuit on 21 April it will be five years and one week since Lewis Hamilton won the sixteenth running of the Chinese GP.

Previous article How Webber and Stella helped steer Piastri through his rookie F1 season
Next article Hamilton’s “compulsive need to win” is intact, says Mercedes

More from GP Racing

How Honda F1 gains gave Williams its first turbo success and a Silverstone record

How Honda F1 gains gave Williams its first turbo success and a Silverstone record

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

How Honda F1 gains gave Williams its first turbo success and a Silverstone record How Honda F1 gains gave Williams its first turbo success and a Silverstone record

Why carbon fibre engines haven’t broken into F1

Why carbon fibre engines haven’t broken into F1

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

Why carbon fibre engines haven’t broken into F1 Why carbon fibre engines haven’t broken into F1

How a key ingredient of McLaren’s glory era is shaping its F1 future

How a key ingredient of McLaren’s glory era is shaping its F1 future

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

How a key ingredient of McLaren’s glory era is shaping its F1 future How a key ingredient of McLaren’s glory era is shaping its F1 future

Why well-meaning ideas to ‘fix’ F1 may not be the answer

Why well-meaning ideas to ‘fix’ F1 may not be the answer

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

Why well-meaning ideas to ‘fix’ F1 may not be the answer Why well-meaning ideas to ‘fix’ F1 may not be the answer

Why F1 is largely a closed shop to new talent

Why F1 is largely a closed shop to new talent

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

Why F1 is largely a closed shop to new talent Why F1 is largely a closed shop to new talent

Why Perez’s F1 2023 struggles against Verstappen won't be easy to resolve 

Why Perez’s F1 2023 struggles against Verstappen won't be easy to resolve 

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

Why Perez’s F1 2023 struggles against Verstappen won't be easy to resolve  Why Perez’s F1 2023 struggles against Verstappen won't be easy to resolve 

The groundbreaking Brabham that gave F1 a preview of Murray's design genius

The groundbreaking Brabham that gave F1 a preview of Murray's design genius

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

The groundbreaking Brabham that gave F1 a preview of Murray's design genius The groundbreaking Brabham that gave F1 a preview of Murray's design genius

The missing factor that Grosjean developed too late to transform his F1 career

The missing factor that Grosjean developed too late to transform his F1 career

Prime
Prime
F1 Formula 1

The missing factor that Grosjean developed too late to transform his F1 career The missing factor that Grosjean developed too late to transform his F1 career

Subscribe