'Mercedes will have less of an advantage... I think there's some magic in the air for Ferrari'. Tom Clarkson and Jolyon Palmer chat through the big talking points ahead of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.
What makes the Shanghai International Circuit such a challenge, and how will the racing be different to what we saw in Australia? Will we see Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren get closer to the pace-setting Mercedes?
The first F1 Sprint weekend of 2026 means less preparation time for everyone, including last year's Chinese Grand Prix winner, Oscar Piastri. Will he 'pay the price' for not racing in Melbourne?
Can Aston Martin unlock more performance, and will Mercedes-powered Williams and Alpine show more speed in Shanghai?
F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026
Listen to episodes right here on this feed, and send your F1 questions to F1Explains@F1.com
This week on F1 Beyond The Grid
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss on the team's first Grand Prix