Freight Delays Affect Multiple Formula 1 Teams

The preparations for the Chinese Grand Prix have been disrupted as several Formula 1 teams have experienced freight delays from Australia to China. The delay in the arrival of crucial equipment has caused a setback in the teams’ preparations.

FIA and Pirelli Address Freight Delay Issues

The FIA has confirmed that tire supplier Pirelli’s freight did not arrive at the Shanghai International Circuit on time. However, the tyre manufacturer received its equipment in the pitlane on Wednesday. At least four teams – McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin – have been affected by these delays, with their cargo arriving late in the afternoon due to flight delays of at least eight hours.

Despite the challenges, both the FIA and the teams are not concerned about the cars being ready for the first and only free practice session of the weekend. The FIA has granted teams permission to break the curfew if necessary. The usual five and a half hours allotted for car work on Wednesday have been extended by half an hour due to the late arrival of Pirelli’s freight.

Teams Brace for Overtime as First Practice Session Remains Unaffected

Although the first practice session is not expected to be delayed, teams will need to work overtime early in the season, especially during the physically demanding double-header with Australia. A team member told Motorsport.com, “There are no worries about free practice, but these days will be some late nights for our mechanics.” The only free practice session of the sprint weekend starts at 11:30 local time, leaving teams a day and a half to prepare for the opening session.