Shanghai Shakedown: Complete FP1 Standings from Round 2 of the 2026 Season
Teams took to the Shanghai circuit for the opening practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix, the second round of the 2026 campaign. Full results from Free Practice 1 showcase the early pace setters as the grid begins its weekend preparations.

The Chinese Grand Prix kicked off its weekend agenda with the first free practice session at Shanghai, providing teams with their initial opportunity to gather data and fine-tune setups ahead of the 2026 season's second round. Drivers and engineers utilized the session to evaluate tire performance, fuel loads, and mechanical adjustments on the challenging circuit. The complete breakdown of FP1 results reflects the competitive nature of the field as teams continue to develop their 2026 machinery.
Original source
F1i
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article B2.1.2
Free Practice Sessions - Alternative Format
Chapter: B2
In Simple Terms
On the first day of track running at a Grand Prix weekend, teams get one practice session called FP1 that lasts for 1 hour. This gives drivers and teams a chance to familiarize themselves with the track, test their cars, and gather data before the more important qualifying and race sessions.
- FP1 is held on the first day of track running
- Session duration is exactly 1 hour
- Used for initial setup testing and track familiarization
- Alternative format option for weekend structure
Official FIA Text
One 1-hour free practice session (FP1) on first day of track running.
Article B2.1.3
Free Practice Session Classification
Chapter: B2
In Simple Terms
Free Practice sessions are ranked based on each driver's fastest single lap time. The driver with the quickest lap gets first place, the second quickest gets second place, and so on down the grid.
- Classification is based solely on fastest lap time achieved during the session
- Drivers are ranked from fastest to slowest
- Only the single best lap for each driver counts toward the classification
- Free Practice results do not affect the actual race grid positions
Official FIA Text
Classification determined by fastest lap time set by each driver, with fastest in first position, second fastest in second position, and so on.
Article B3.1.1
Initial Scrutineering
Chapter: ARTICLE B3: PROCEDURES DURING A COMPETITION
In Simple Terms
Before each Grand Prix weekend begins, teams must inspect their cars and officially declare them as ready to race. They have a 4-hour window starting 4 hours before the first practice session to complete this inspection, and must submit their declaration at least 2 hours before practice begins.
- Initial scrutineering must start no earlier than 4 hours before FP1
- Teams must submit their declaration at least 2 hours before FP1 starts
- Each team is responsible for carrying out their own initial car inspection
- This is the official process to verify cars meet technical regulations before competition
Official FIA Text
Each Competitor will carry out initial scrutineering of their Cars, commencing four hours prior to the start of FP1 and submit declaration no later than two hours before FP1 start.
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