Five things to look out for at Shanghai GP

Formula One stages its 1,000th world championship race at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday. Here are five things to look out for.

Monaco ace holds all the cards

Charles Leclerc was desperately unlucky last time in Bahrain, leading for much of the race before Lewis Hamilton snatched victory. Over three days in the desert, the 21-year-old from Monaco had proved what many insiders have long said — that Leclerc is a world champion in the making.

Multiple threats for Hamilton

Hamilton's bid for a sixth title is under threat from several angles. Ferrari have the quicker car and a strong pairing in Leclerc and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, even if the latter is facing doubts over his form. Then there is Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who leads the championship by a point after two races and looks determined to put up a fight this season.

Vettel in a pickle

He might be a four-time world champion but Vettel is facing criticism.

The 31-year-old German's errors helped hand the title to Hamilton last season, and Vettel has had an indifferent start to this campaign. He struggled with his car and finished fourth in Melbourne. Media in Ferrari's Italy have their knives out.

Fast and young

Lando Norris, who is 19, and Alexander Albon, who recently turned 23, also finished in the points in Bahrain, in only their second F1 races. The performance of Norris was particularly eye-catching, as he made it into the final qualifying session for the second time in a row. Also not forgetting Red Bull's Max Verstappen, just 21.

China marks F1 future

F1's future will be in the spotlight in Shanghai because it is the world championship's 1,000th race. Owner Liberty Media is making a big push in China. Shanghai has been a staple of the racing calendar since 2004 and F1 is interested in holding a second grand prix in China.

See also

From 12 am on Saturday to 4:30 am on Sunday, Hubin Road between Huangpi Road S. and Jinan Road, Shunchang Road between Chongde Road and Hubin Road, and Jinan Road between Zizhong Road and Chongde Road will be closed.

Extra trains and staff are being added on Metro Line 11 for the F1 Chinese Grand Prix which takes place at Shanghai International Circuit from tomorrow to Sunday.

Shanghai Circuit and Baiyin Road stations are expected to be the busiest, Shanghai Metro said.

More officers and volunteers will be deployed at the Shanghai Circuit Station, and a bilingual service will be provided.

Shanghai Metro also said that if passenger flow is excessive, it will temporarily stop passengers at Xujiahui and Caoyang Road stations from entering until the pressure is eased.