Ferrari's Leclerc surprised by Red Bull form in Shanghai

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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc says Max Verstappen's performance in free practice on Friday in Shanghai has brought Red Bull Racing closer to the front than expected.

Leclerc outpaced Verstappen in FP1, clocking in with the third fastest lap but the Scuderia charger was only seventh in the afternoon session while the Dutchman was third, just 0.221s adrift from Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas.

The Monegasque reckons a good battle between the front-runners on Sunday.

"I think it will be very close, Mercedes and also Red Bull are actually quite close, so will be an interesting battle," said Leclerc.

"Red Bull are definitely closer than we expected, so that's good to see. It will be a good fight between the three teams, I think."

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Verstappen claimed not to be surprised by his performance in China following the team's investigation and subsequent solving of a set-up issue that impacted Red Bull's RB15 in Bahrain.

"We are definitely closer and also today I was quite happy with the car. So not much to complain,” Verstappen said.

"Of course there was a question mark coming here after Bahrain but we were all quite confident that if we could solve the issue we would be a lot closer, which I think we have shown today.

"The long runs were alright but it is all about managing your tyres over a race distance here, but that’s the same for everyone.

"Overall, I’m happy with the pace so far and tonight we just need to fine tune the set-up.

"I think pole position will be tough tomorrow and it’s too early to say exactly where we are but we’re a lot closer, so hopefully in the race we can mix it up."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.