F1 Nation Will Ferrari be fastest on 'quirky' Shanghai circuit? 2026 Chinese GP Preview
19 snips
Mar 12, 2026 
Jolyon Palmer, former F1 driver and current TV analyst, brings concise technical and race-preview insight. He breaks down Shanghai's quirky long corners and sprint-driven practice changes. He talks energy management, tricky turn one with new cars, and which teams look fast — from Mercedes favourites to a resurgent Ferrari and Red Bull prospects.
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Bottas Travels With His Bicycle Box
- Tom Clarkson flew via Hong Kong and found Valtteri Bottas on his flight with his bicycle box in tow.
- The short travel anecdote highlights how drivers like Bottas travel with bikes and dismantle them into bike boxes.
Shanghai Favors Sustained Cornering Over Harvesting
- Shanghai suits the 2026 cars more because it demands less extreme on-corner energy harvesting and more sustained cornering.
- Jolyon Palmer explains long 270° turns and heavy left-front demand make it a front-limited, rhythm-driven circuit distinct from Melbourne.
Overtaking Remains But Is Less Manic Than Melbourne
- Expect plenty of overtaking but less frantic energy cat-and-mouse than Melbourne because Shanghai offers bigger braking zones and better recharge opportunities.
- Palmer says 1.2km back straight and multiple DRS zones let drivers harvest then deploy energy more predictably into hairpin overtakes.