The first practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix was limited to just under 20 minutes of running after it was twice postponed because the medical helicopter was unable to operate due to weather conditions.
Smog and rain in Shanghai meant the helicopter was unable to land at the designated hospital, automatically bringing a halt to the session on safety grounds. The first stoppage came after just four minutes of green flag running and lasted for 43 minutes with no action on track. The cars returned for 17 minutes of further track time before the second and final stoppage with 26 minutes still remaining on the clock.