Chinese GP: Second practice session called off due to bad weather

After a disrupted opening practice session at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, Formula 1 was on Friday forced to call off the second practice because poor visibility prevented the medical helicopter operating.

Unlike the first practice session when the drivers combined for just 124 laps in between red flags stoppages, the second session was never started, with race control monitoring conditions and hoping for a window in which to open proceedings.

Low cloud, rain and smog in Shanghai meant the helicopter was unable to land at the designated hospital.

"At the moment the helicopter can't land at the hospital," formula1.com quoted FIA race director Charlie Whiting as explaining during the delay. "It looks reasonable at the circuit but they can't land in downtown Shanghai. We get news from the airport every 10 minutes."

"If it doesn't clear there will be no practice, we have a fixed end and if it does not clear by then there will be no P2," he added.

Earlier, Red Bull's Max Verstappen emerged as the fastest driver in the opening practice session which was badly disrupted by poor visibility.

The 18-year-old, who clocked the fastest lap of one minute and 50.491 seconds, was 1.595 seconds quicker than Williams Felipe Massa.

Lance Stroll finished third fastest in his Williams followed by Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz, who was 2.349 seconds slower than Verstappen.

Haas' Romain Grosjean and Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat were fifth and sixth quickest, respectively.

Meanwhile, three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Melbourne winner Sebastian Vettel were among those not to run in the race.