George Russell claimed his first Formula One sprint race win at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, maintaining his perfect start to the season after a closely fought contest that highlighted both Mercedes’ strengths and the evolving competitive order under the 2026 regulations.
Ferrari pitted lewis for new softs, russell didnt pit so he jumped Lewis then on lap 51/52 the safety car was coming in, race direction said "nah nevermind" and the race finished under SC. In the end, wrong call from Ferrari, screwed Lewis out of a P2
He had tons of understeer in the first stint, he managed similar pace to charles and kimi midway through the first stint and asked for 5 on the wing for when he pitted iirc,Hammerfist wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 17:58Lewis for the last couple years has a habit of struggling with the car on high fuel in the first stint. Today was another example. This is a weakness that will be very costly this year if the championship continues to tighten up. I knew Charles would bounce back eventually and he did it on Lewis home turf too. Onto the next one.
Yeah, bad understeer; the damage was done with set up. The question is why did they get it so bad?Luscion wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 18:03He had tons of understeer in the first stint, he managed similar pace to charles and kimi midway through the first stint and asked for 5 on the wing for when he pitted iirc,Hammerfist wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 17:58Lewis for the last couple years has a habit of struggling with the car on high fuel in the first stint. Today was another example. This is a weakness that will be very costly this year if the championship continues to tighten up. I knew Charles would bounce back eventually and he did it on Lewis home turf too. Onto the next one.
I know that. His second stint was much better but my point is that it happens often. I think he’s trying to protect the rears by dialing in understeer but he is very slow in the first stint as a result. He was very reluctant to pit also, which confirms that his goal was to make the tires last. But imo it’s just too slow to work most of the time and a safety car will often blow up that kind of strategy.Luscion wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 18:03He had tons of understeer in the first stint, he managed similar pace to charles and kimi midway through the first stint and asked for 5 on the wing for when he pitted iirc,Hammerfist wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 17:58Lewis for the last couple years has a habit of struggling with the car on high fuel in the first stint. Today was another example. This is a weakness that will be very costly this year if the championship continues to tighten up. I knew Charles would bounce back eventually and he did it on Lewis home turf too. Onto the next one.
The onboard isn't clear so not sure if he's in clear or not. I hope he's cleared.
Couldn't agree more. It is a weakness. Cost him a comfortable 2nd today.Hammerfist wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 18:11I know that. His second stint was much better but my point is that it happens often. I think he’s trying to protect the rears by dialing in understeer but he is very slow in the first stint as a result. He was very reluctant to pit also, which confirms that his goal was to make the tires last. But imo it’s just too slow to work most of the time and a safety car will often blow up that kind of strategy.Luscion wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 18:03He had tons of understeer in the first stint, he managed similar pace to charles and kimi midway through the first stint and asked for 5 on the wing for when he pitted iirc,Hammerfist wrote: ↑05 Jul 2026, 17:58Lewis for the last couple years has a habit of struggling with the car on high fuel in the first stint. Today was another example. This is a weakness that will be very costly this year if the championship continues to tighten up. I knew Charles would bounce back eventually and he did it on Lewis home turf too. Onto the next one.
