The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai was a thrilling race with high-octane action all around. Here are the key highlights:
- Max Verstappen delivered an unchallenged display of dominance, leading from the very first lap to the checkered flag.
- Fernando Alonso made an aggressive move to take 2nd at the start
- Sergio Perez and Lando Norris battled for podium positions
- There were dramatic crashes and wheel-to-wheel battles throughout the field
Can the young rising stars stop Verstappen’s incredible winning streak? Read on to find out!
Lights Out in Shanghai
As the five red lights went out, Verstappen got an excellent launch off the line. The Dutchman bravely chopped across teammate Perez into Turn 1. However, it was Alonso who stole the show – the 42-year-old Aston Martin driver went around the outside of Perez in a daring move to grab 2nd position!
Norris Charges Through the Field
British driver Lando Norris had a lightning start, muscling his way past Perez for 3rd. The gutsyย overtake sawย Norris battle wheel-to-wheel before making the move stick going into the hairpin. Nico Hulkenberg also made up places early on, splitting the struggling Ferrari drivers of Leclerc and Sainz.
Chaos Under Safety Car
The race was neutralized after Yuki Tsunoda’s car broke down onย track, bunching up the field for a frantic restart. Contact between Lance Stroll and Daniel Ricciardo at the hairpin caused a huge crash, eliminating both from the race. Valtteri Bottas also retired after a promising weekend.
Wheel-to-Wheel Battles Galore
With the gloves off, the midfield provided immense entertainment. Stroll and Kevin Magnussen put on a show, swapping positions repeatedly through daring late moves. Perez and Leclerc engaged in their tense fight, with the Mexican just getting past into the podium places.
Verstappen Unstoppable Up Front
At the front, Verstappen was in a class of his own. The reigning champion pulled away quickly after the restarts to claim his 58th career win. Norris brilliantly held off Perez for 2nd, while Alonso nearly threw it all away with a wild moment at the hairpin before recovering to 7th.
Could this mark the start of a Verstappen era of dominance? Only time will tell if the young guns match the Dutchman’s pace in 2024.
