F1 Sprint Qualifying Results: Starting Grid Set at the Chinese GP

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly qualified seventh, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in eighth. Haas’ Ollie Bearman took ninth, while Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar rounded out the top ten.

Meanwhile, Cadillac’s Sergio Perez was unable to participate in Sprint Qualifying after a fuel system issue identified at the end of practice could not be resolved in time.

Kimi Antonelli Avoids Grid Penalty

The FIA noted an incident involving Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris during Sprint Qualifying, with the Mercedes driver initially placed under investigation for alleged impeding.

During the session at the Shanghai International Circuit, Norris appeared to be held up by Antonelli at Turn 1 while attempting to begin a push lap. Team radio captured the McLaren driver expressing frustration, saying: “He blocked me… I was going to push that lap!”

However, after reviewing the incident, the stewards confirmed that no further investigation was necessary, meaning Antonelli will retain his starting position for the Sprint race.

For context, impeding typically results in a reprimand during practice sessions. However, when it occurs in Qualifying or Sprint Qualifying, it potentially carries a grid penalty depending on the severity of the incident.

2026 Chinese Grand Prix: Full Sprint Starting Grid

Mercedes Carry Momentum Into Sprint Race

With both drivers starting on the front row, Mercedes enters the first sprint race of the 2026 Formula 1 season as the clear favorite at the Shanghai International Circuit. Carrying a similar sentiment, George Russell also expressed confidence in the team after securing pole position in Sprint Qualifying.

“The car has been feeling amazing,” the 28-year-old said in the post-session live interview. “We knew after Melbourne we had a really good car, the engine is performing really well, and the car was a joy to drive.”

The Mercedes driver also revealed the team has been focusing on improving its race starts since the opening round in Australia. “Since Melbourne, we have been working on how to get off the line quicker, so I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.”

However, McLaren and Ferrari remain close behind, setting up a potentially intense fight for points in the 2026 F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings when the Sprint race gets underway.