Chinese Grand Prix
2026 Chinese Grand Prix
| Date | March 13-15, 2026 |
| Location | Shanghai, China |
| Number of Laps | 56 |
| Circuit Length | 5.451 km |
| Race Distance | 305.066 km |
| Lap Record | 1:32.238 Michael Schumacher (2004) |
What date is the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?
The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix will take place on March 13-15, 2026.
13 March – Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying
14 March – Sprint Race and Qualifying
15 March – Race (The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix starts at 3pm local time in Shanghai).
How can I watch the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?
You can watch the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix through a variety of channels and services, depending on your location and preferences:
- Television Broadcast: Check your local sports channels and networks that have broadcasting rights for Formula 1. For example, in the UK, coverage of the race might be available on Sky Sports F1 or Channel 4.
- Online Streaming Services: F1 TV Pro offers live streaming services directly from Formula 1, which includes live coverage of every race, qualifying, and practice session, along with other exclusive content.
- Live Timing and Updates: If you’re unable to watch the race live, you can follow live timing and updates through the official Formula 1 app or website, which provides lap-by-lap updates and commentary.
- Sports News Websites: Websites like ESPN or Eurosport often provide live updates and coverage of the races, with articles and commentary throughout the event.
Remember to check the availability of these services in your region as broadcasting rights and services may vary.
How can I bet on the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?
You can bet on individual races throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season, the qualifying head-to-head battle, and the Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships at Bet US (Get a 125% sign up bonus with code JOIN125 here: https://bit.ly/3JJauym).
When was the Shanghai International Circuit built?
The site for the Shanghai International Circuit was located in Shanghai in 2002 after the Chinese Government signed a seven year contract with Formula One Management. After eighteen months the luxurious circuit was completed in 2004, in time for its F1 season scheduled race at an estimated cost of 240 million US dollars.
It’s designer, Hermann Tilke is responsible for many of the current F1 racing track designs and worked hard to create a circuit embraced the Chinese culture. For this reason the circuit is more than just a race track, it’s designed in the shape of ‘shang’ the Chinese symbol for upwards.
At the time of completion in 2004, the luxurious track was the most expensive ever built, this was later eclipsed by the state of the art complex at Abu Dhabi in 2009.
When was the first Grand Prix in China?
The first race in China was in 2004. It was introduced to the Formula One calendar the same year as Bahrain.
This was an important first race for China who struggled to enter into the F1 World Championship in previous years. The first Chinese Grand Prix was originally scheduled in China in 1999, however, the purpose built track, located in Zhuhai, did not pass F1 checks and regulations and it took incredible effort and determination by the Chinese government to reapply and commission the current F1 track.
What is the length of the Shanghai International Circuit?
The track is 5.451 km long (3.387 miles) and features some of the trickiest corner combinations seen in Formula One, thanks to its unique ‘shang’ symbol design.
Drivers complete 56 laps, no mean feat as they carry significant speed into demanding corners for a total race length of 305 km (190 miles).
What’s it like to drive the Shanghai International Circuit?
The Shanghai circuit has one of the longest straights on the current track line up at 1.2km, which gives drivers a chance to open up the throttle. The really fun part for drivers is the incredible G-force through turns 7 and 8. The true challenge for this circuit though is the opening part of the lap at turns 1 and 2, following into the next two turns as well. From the start line drivers are pulled into ever tightening corners with increasing radius and demanding degrees, making it the most demanding right hand corner combination on the F1 calendar.Advertisements
Is the Chinese Grand Prix a good one to go to?
The Shanghai experience is a lively one. Overtaking means that pole position is never a sure win. Currently China has the biggest crowd capacity of the F1 races, with 200,000 tickets available. Coupled with the state of the art facilities it makes for an incredible racing experience and buzzing atmosphere. The Pudong district offers an eclectic spread of modern bars and acclaimed restaurants, expanding in the new millennium to become one of the world’s most dynamic and energetic cities. That makes it a worthwhile stop for tourists for sure, with the Shanghai circuit an easy 60 minute metro ride away.
This is also a circuit where weather can play a big factor with rain a frequent visitor on race weekends, shaking up team strategies and keeping drivers and race managers on their toes.
Where is the best place to watch the race at the Chinese Grand Prix?
This race is all about passing opportunities so for that reason we’re recommending Grandstand K, which covers the fight for place action at the Turn 14-15 hairpin, or Turn 6, where daredevil overtaking has led to race wins in previous years.
