Chinese Grand Prix 2009 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel delivered Red Bull Racing's maiden victory with a commanding performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading home teammate Mark Webber for the team's first-ever one-two finish and announcing their arrival as genuine championship contenders. The young German's dominant display from pole position ended Jenson Button's perfect start to the season, though the Brawn driver's third-place finish maintained his championship lead as the diffuser advantage began to narrow.

Vettel's pole lap of 1:36.184 showcased Red Bull's pace on the flowing Shanghai International Circuit, and he converted that advantage into a perfect race. The 21-year-old controlled proceedings from the front with maturity beyond his years, managing his KERS-equipped RB5 expertly through traffic and strategy phases. Webber provided the ideal support, finishing second to secure Red Bull's historic one-two and marking their emergence as a force that would dominate F1 for years to come. The result vindicated Red Bull's aggressive development program and confirmed they had successfully copied Brawn's double-diffuser concept.

Button drove a measured race to secure third place, recognizing that Brawn lacked the pace to challenge the Red Bulls and choosing to bank crucial championship points rather than risk retirement. His podium finish kept him at the top of the standings, though his lead was now under serious threat. The race marked a turning point in the 2009 season - Brawn's early advantage was evaporating as rival teams brought their own double-diffusers and development upgrades. Ferrari endured another dismal weekend with the F60 proving hopelessly uncompetitive, while McLaren's struggles continued despite KERS giving them occasional straight-line speed advantages. Red Bull's victory signaled that the second half of the season would be a genuine battle, with Adrian Newey's design genius beginning to assert itself as rival teams caught up aerodynamically.