Norris leads practic as F1 returns to China in March for the first time

Lando Norris on track - Photo by Damian Hall

Lando Norris topped the timesheets in the opening and only practice session of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, clocking a 1:31.504 for McLaren Mercedes as Formula 1 returned to Shanghai — held in March for the first time in the event’s history.

With this being a Sprint weekend, teams wasted no time getting to work, knowing this was their sole opportunity to dial in setups before Sprint Qualifying. The Shanghai International Circuit showed improved grip levels compared to last year, and lap times tumbled quickly as drivers pushed to the limit.

The only major incident of the session came with just under 13 minutes remaining, when Alpine’s Jack Doohan pulled over near Turn 10 with a mechanical issue, triggering a red flag. While the stoppage paused proceedings briefly, most teams had already completed the bulk of their running.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc ended the session second fastest, 0.454s behind Norris, while Oscar Piastri ensured both McLarens featured in the top three. Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari, secured fourth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell in fifth.

Nico Hülkenberg put in a strong showing for Kick Sauber Ferrari in sixth, followed by Alexander Albon in the Williams Mercedes. Fernando Alonso, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top ten.

FP1 Classification – 2025 Chinese Grand Prix:

1. Lando Norris – McLaren

2. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

3. Oscar Piastri – McLaren

4. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari

5. George Russell – Mercedes

6. Nico Hülkenberg – Kick Sauber

7. Alexander Albon – Williams

8. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin Aramco

9. Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes

10. Yuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls Honda RBPT

11. Oliver Bearman – Haas

12. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin Aramco

13. Esteban Ocon – Haas

14. Pierre Gasly – Alpine

15. Carlos Sainz – Williams

16. Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT

17. Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls Honda RBPT

18. Liam Lawson – Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT

19. Gabriel Bortoleto – Kick Sauber

20. Jack Doohan – Alpine

Attention now shifts to Sprint Qualifying, where the true pecking order will begin to emerge in this early-season showdown.

Norris leads practice as F1 returns to China in March for the first time by Damian Hall