STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the tactical options for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai?

Matt Youson takes a look at the different pit stop and tyre options that are available to the teams on race day at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Mar 14, 2026 12:05pm UTC

Special ContributorMatt Youson

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 14: Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL40 Mercedes

On Saturday Kimi Antonelli became the 108th driver to take a Formula 1 pole position – but the first to do it while still a teenager. He did it on a day when team mate and presumptive favourite George Russell had a technical issue which left him scrambling for P2, but the reality was Antonelli’s time looked pretty hard to beat regardless.

The grid continued two-by-two with the Ferraris ahead of the McLarens, and while the grid looks similar to Melbourne, the feel around the pit lane is that this race is an entirely different kettle of fish, with horsepower rather than recharging coming to the fore.