Shanghai Speedway Sessions: Complete Breakdown of Friday's Opening Practice Running at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
Teams took to the Shanghai circuit on Friday for the opening practice session of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, the second round of the F1 championship. Full results and timing data from FP1 have been compiled, offering insights into early competitive positioning ahead of the weekend's on-track action.
The 2026 Formula 1 season's second championship round got underway at the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday, with all teams hitting the track during the opening free practice session. Complete results and lap times from FP1 have now been finalized, providing the first real-world data point for teams to assess their performance and car setup efficiency on the Shanghai circuit.
Friday's opening session served as the initial opportunity for drivers and engineers to gather telemetry, test various setup configurations, and begin their strategic preparations for what promises to be a competitive weekend of racing.
Original source
Crash.net
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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