Verstappen fastest in shortened first practice session

F1 Grand Prix, GP China, Shanghai International Ciruit

Running at Shanghai commenced in rather unusual fashion, with the first practice session stopped repeatedly due to the misty weather conditions. Max Verstappen eventually topped the timesheet, comfortably fastest of only 14 cars that set a time.

The session was halted after just a few minutes already as it appeared impossible for the medical helicopter to land at the designated hospital in Schanghai. Ahead of this 40-minute break, only about 10 cars had managed to complete an installation lap.

When the session got restarted again, Max Verstappen used the available time to set the fastest time of the session, followed by another stoppage. This time around, it was the mist and wind at the circuit itself that would prevent the same medical helicopter from taking off in case of an emergency.

Just before that stoppage, Nico Hulkenberg had got stuck in the gravel trap, with Haas's Magnussen and Grosjean also having spins.

It's fair to say the for most drivers, running only really starts in FP2.