As we anticipate the start of the 2025 F1 Chinese Grand Prix Sprint this Saturday, there’s a bit of suspense lingering over the lineup. The provisional starting grid could see some last-minute changes due to a pending investigation involving Williams.
The Williams team has found themselves in a tricky situation. Stewards summoned them because they didn’t provide the required footage from cameras assessing the front and rear-wing flexing within the one-hour deadline after FP1, as mandated by the regulations. This kind of infraction is quite uncommon, leaving the potential penalties a bit of a mystery. Outcomes might range from no action at all to the possible disqualification of one or both cars. At the moment, Alex Albon holds ninth place, while Carlos Sainz sits in 13th.
The ruling is set to occur at 08:30 AM local time on Saturday (00:30 AM UK time), which means the grid will remain in limbo until an official decision is announced.
Despite this uncertainty, we have a remarkable lineup shaping up. For the first time since the historic 2021 British Grand Prix sprint, Lewis Hamilton will be starting from sprint pole. Right beside him on the front row will be Max Verstappen, making for an electrifying start.
Lando Norris had a couple of slip-ups during his SQ3 laps, which leaves him in sixth place. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri has secured the third spot. Liam Lawson, unfortunately, had a rough day. After his time was deleted for exceeding track limits, he was relegated to the back of the grid in SQ1. Unless Albon or Sainz face disqualification, Lawson will be starting dead last.
Just a reminder: all grid positions are provisional until the FIA gives the official confirmation.
