A second pit lane start for Alex Albon
Photo: Race Pictures
Williams’ disappointing start to 2026, failing to build on their momentum from a P5 finish last year, has got even worse, as Alex Albon will start the Chinese GP from the pit lane following changes to his set up under Parc Fermé conditions.
The Thai driver started from the pit lane for the Sprint Race after making suspension changes under Parc Fermé, and does so again for the Grand Prix for the same reasons.
The FIA statement read: “Atlassian Williams F1 Team changed the setup of the suspension of Car 23 under Parc Ferme, this not being in accordance with Article B3.5.7 of the FIA F1 Regulations.
“Car 23 is therefore required to start the Race from pit lane under Article B3.5.7b of the FIA F1 Regulations.”
The bottom five is therefore now Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, and Albon.
Here is the official starting grid for the Chinese GP:
| Position | Driver (Team) |
| P1 | Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) |
| P2 | George Russell (Mercedes) |
| P3 | Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) |
| P4 | Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) |
| P5 | Oscar Piastri (McLaren) |
| P6 | Lando Norris (McLaren) |
| P7 | Pierre Gasly (Alpine) |
| P8 | Max Verstappen (Red Bull) |
| P9 | Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) |
| P10 | Ollie Bearman (Haas) |
| P11 | Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) |
| P12 | Franco Colapinto (Alpine) |
| P13 | Esteban Ocon (Haas) |
| P14 | Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) |
| P15 | Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) |
| P16 | Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) |
| P17 | Carlos Sainz (Williams) |
| P18 | Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) |
| P19 | Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) |
| P20 | Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) |
| P21 | Sergio Perez (Cadillac) |
| P22 (Pit lane start) | Alexander Albon (Williams) |
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