The Chinese Grand Prix returns to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2019 with all ten teams gearing up for a tricky weekend.
Some drivers on the grid – such as home town hero Zhou Guanyu – have never raced there in F1 and the Sprint Race format adds another level of intrigue.
Writing on Haas’s website, team principal Ayao Komatsu has been previewing the fifth race of the season.
Haas currently sit seventh in the Constructors’ Championship after a better-than-expected start to 2024.
Kevin Magnussen drove a brilliant defensive race – albeit with a couple of penalties – to help Nico Hulkenberg score his first point of the season.
They went one better in Australia, with both drivers finishing in the top ten to cement their place in the pecking order above the likes of Williams and Alpine.
Haas are now bringing an upgrade package to China to try and capitalise on their position.
Unfortunately, Komatsu has now suggested that the conditions in Shanghai might make finding out just how good this package is.
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Haas bringing upgrade package to China ahead of 2024’s first Sprint Race
Fans in the UK have another very early alarm to set if they want to catch the next Formula 1 race.
That’s because, although Sunday’s Grand Prix starts at 8am, the first Sprint Race of the season takes place on Saturday at 4am.
There’s a change to the format in 2024, pushing qualifying for the Grand Prix back 24 hours so that it takes place after both Sprint sessions.
Haas boss Komatsu is worried that the lack of practice time in China could be an issue when it comes to their upgrade package.
The weather forecast looks changeable and that could have big consequences for every team on the grid.
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The weather could play key role on Formula 1’s return to Shanghai
Previewing the Grand Prix, the 48-year-old Komatsu said: “In terms of circuit characteristics, I think I’ll take lots of positives from Suzuka where, as I said repeatedly, it exposed the weakness of our car.
“In Shanghai, it has lower cornering speeds and a very long back straight, as well as a decent length pit straight as well, so that should suit our car more, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do.
“Weather – to add that to the mix – Friday looks to be a bit wet so that’s going to be challenging in FP1 if it is wet; to create a test program to make sure the car is okay for Sunday’s race as well.
“In Shanghai, we’re also going to introduce the very first part of our upgrade package which we’re looking forward to.
“If it’s wet, however, there’s not an awful lot we can learn but every single bit of downforce helps, so that should be positive.
“If it’s dry, we’d like to spend the session trying to set the car up for the aero package, so there’s lots to do.”
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Haas need to capitalise on strong start to the season in the driver’s market – opinion
While Haas might be hoping there isn’t any rain in China so they can see what their new upgrade package is like, ultimately, they can be very pleased with their start to the season.
The Formula 1 driver’s market is now beginning to take shape and both of their drivers are out of contract.
Nico Hulkenberg’s performances have attracted the interest of Audi ahead of their entry into Formula 1.
He’s a brilliant asset for Haas, but they might already have a driver lined up to replace him should he move on.
That’s Ferrari youngster Oliver Bearman who showed in Jeddah he’s ready to step up onto the F1 grid.
Kevin Magnussen would be a very good driver to guide Bearman through 2025 and the pair have already worked closely together during the young Brit’s tests.
The post ‘Not an awful lot’: 48-year-old team boss worried wet Chinese GP would be a disaster for testing new upgrades appeared first on F1 Oversteer.