After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Formula 1 teams were unprepared for the unusual condition of Shanghai’s racing track, which was revealed to have undergone a selective and bizarre resurfacing procedure.
Surprisingly, only specific areas of the circuit received treatment aimed at smoothing out the most severe undulations, while others seemed to be merely coated with a peculiar substance. As the teams landed in China, they encountered a track that didn’t just have a new layer of asphalt but showcased a different approach involving a rubbery, bitumen-like layer that masked the usual rough texture of the track’s surface.
“The track appears to have been painted rather than resurfaced,” observed Max Verstappen, a triple world champion. He also expressed uncertainty about the track’s condition, saying, “I don’t know what this will mean for grip.”
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s driver Charles Leclerc found the track’s new appearance puzzling, describing it as “something strange.” The FIA and F1’s exclusive tyre provider, Pirelli, were equally taken aback by these modifications, which were not disclosed in the FIA’s technical report before the event.
The modifications, which involved a novel layering technique, were intended to “preserve the asphalt and ensure the stones remain in place,” as stated by an FIA spokesperson. This method is also “expected to increase grip,” according to the governing body’s official.
The circuit’s condition is critical as the Shanghai track lost its Grade 1 license during the pandemic break, necessitating additional repairs to barriers and other infrastructural elements.
GMM
