Formula 1 | Pirelli, a conservative choice for the Chinese Grand Prix?

After the much criticized seasonal debut in Australia, the Circus of the Formula 1 moves to Shanghai for the second round of the 2026 World Championship. The Chinese Grand Prix It not only represents a high-level logistical and technical challenge, but also marks the seasonal debut of the format Sprint. It will be the first of six “fast” events scheduled for this year, with a 19-lap race scheduled for Saturday (4am Italian time) that will put the endurance of the new power units and the drivers' strategic management to the test, especially on the very long straight of over a kilometre.

The Shanghai International Circuit, famous for its shape that recalls the ideogram the shang (upwards), presents itself as the ideal testing ground for assessing the true balance of the new regulatory era, while awaiting the FIA's (hopefully) implementation of the corrective measures that will restore the racing spirit of this troubled sport. At 5,451 kilometers, the circuit alternates extremely slow sequences with high-speed sections, culminating in the straight connecting Turns 13 and 14. It is precisely here that electrical energy management and the efficiency of active aerodynamic systems will make the difference.

The Pirelli tire challenge: between smooth asphalt and graining

For this trip, Pirelli has selected the central trio of compounds for its range: C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium) and C4 (Soft)It's a choice that maintains continuity with the last two editions, but also a conservative one, dictated above all by the nature of an asphalt that continues to evolve. The track, in fact, was completely resurfaced in August 2024, an intervention that significantly increased grip levels, consequently reducing lap times.

The very smooth surface presented a heavy bill in 2025: a marked phenomenon of graining, especially on the front axle. During last year's Sprint, this surface deterioration of the tyre was the real limiting factor for performance, favouring drivers who were gentle on the tyres, such as Lewis Hamilton. Twelve months later, the situation may have changed. The natural aging of the asphalt should have reduced the tendency to grain, although it does bring with it a slight reduction in absolute grip. It will be crucial to monitor the evolution of the track from the first Friday sessions to understand whether the Medium will remain, as it was in 2025, the preferred starting tyre.

Simulations and Straight Mode: Speed ​​should not decrease

Although the new generation of 2026 cars is intrinsically different from the previous one, the simulations sent by the teams indicate lap times incredibly close to those recorded a year ago. This timekeeping balance is guaranteed by the areas SM (Straight Mode)Active aerodynamics, by reducing drag on the long straights of Shanghai, compensates for the drop in pure speed resulting from the reduced thrust of the internal combustion engine.

The route remains a severe test for energy recoveryHard braking sections, such as those at Turns 1, 6, and 14, will be crucial for recharging the batteries. One aspect to watch carefully is locking up the car at the corner entrance: during preseason testing at Sakhir, many braking errors were seen, and the slow corners in Shanghai could severely punish any inaccuracy from the drivers in managing the brake-by-wire.

Precedents say that Shanghai smiles on the Woking cars. Last year, the Chinese Grand Prix was a land of conquest for the McLaren, who scored a brace with Oscar piastri on the top step of the podium, followed by Lando Norris. George Russell, su Mercedes, completed the podium, confirming that the management of the Medium tyres was the key to success. Classic Ferrari for sale she was instead disqualified with both cars, after having won the Sprint with Hamilton.

The one-stopper strategy proved to be the most effective in 2025, with the leading drivers extending their first stint until lap 14 or 15 before switching to the Hard compound. The Soft compound, however, remained confined to qualifying, proving too fragile for the race distance on an asphalt that, at the time, was prone to excessive graining.

The Shanghai weekend will not only award heavy points. On Friday, at the end of the Sprint Qualifying, the poleman will receive the Pirelli Sprint Qualifying Award, a trophy revamped for 2026 that includes a helmet in the colors of the Chinese flag set in a base that reproduces a Soft tire.