P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 teams and Pirelli had no warning of “painted” Shanghai track surface
F1 teams were surprised by a visibly different track surface upon their arrival at the circuit on Wednesday, revealing a liquid bitumen treatment applied last year to enhance the asphalt’s durability. The worn areas of the treatment led to varying grip levels across the track, catching drivers off guard during practice sessions. The lack of prior notification from both the FIA and Pirelli about the surface treatment caused confusion and required on-site engineers to assess the impact. F1 chief engineer Simone Berra expressed surprise at the situation and highlighted the need for closer coordination between circuits and the FIA regarding such modifications. The issue sparked discussions during the team managers’ meeting, emphasizing the importance of improved communication and transparency in future track works. The surface treatment matter is expected to be resolved with Shanghai scheduling a full resurfacing before the 2025 race.
