Chinese Grand Prix – Formula 1 2026
Your complete guide to the Chinese GP: race schedule, results, circuit info, and F1 history
About the Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix is one of Formula 1’s flagship events in Asia and is held at the Shanghai International Circuit. First added to the calendar in 2004, the race quickly became a major highlight thanks to its scale, passionate fanbase, and modern venue built specifically for F1.
Located on the outskirts of Shanghai, the circuit is known for its distinctive layout inspired by the Chinese character “shang”, combining long straights with technical sequences that reward aerodynamic efficiency, tyre management, and strong braking performance. With unpredictable spring weather and a track surface that evolves rapidly through the weekend, the Chinese Grand Prix often delivers surprises and plays an important role in shaping the early part of the season.
Chinese GP 2026 Schedule
| Session | Your Time | Local Time (Shanghai) |
|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | 13 Mar, 11:30 – 12:30 (UTC+8) | |
| Sprint Qualifying | 13 Mar, 15:30 – 16:14 (UTC+8) | |
| Sprint | 14 Mar, 11:00 – 12:00 (UTC+8) | |
| Qualifying | 14 Mar, 15:00 – 16:00 (UTC+8) | |
| Race | 15 Mar, 15:00 (UTC+8) |
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Chinese Grand Prix Fast Facts
| First held (in current format) | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Circuit | Shanghai International Circuit |
| Location | Shanghai, China |
| Number of laps | 56 |
| Circuit length | 5.451 km |
| Race distance | 305.066 km |
| Lap record (race) | 1:32.238 – Michael Schumacher (2004) |
| Most wins (driver) | Lewis Hamilton – 6 |
| Top speed | ≈ 340 km/h (211 mph) |
Chinese GP Past Winners
| Year | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2024 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2023 | Cancelled | — |
| 2022 | Cancelled | — |
| 2021 | Cancelled | — |
| 2020 | Cancelled | — |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
| 2018 | Daniel Ricciardo | Red Bull |
| 2017 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
| 2016 | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes |
| 2015 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
| 2014 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
| 2013 | Fernando Alonso | Ferrari |
| 2012 | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes |
| 2011 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren |
| 2010 | Jenson Button | McLaren |
| 2009 | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull |
| 2008 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren |
| 2007 | Kimi Raikkonen | Ferrari |
| 2006 | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari |
| 2005 | Fernando Alonso | Renault |
| 2004 | Rubens Barrichello | Ferrari |
Chinese GP FAQs
When is the Chinese GP 2026?
The Chinese Grand Prix runs from 13 to 15 March 2026 at the Shanghai International Circuit. See the schedule above for exact times in your local timezone and track time.
How many laps is the Chinese GP?
The Chinese GP is contested over 56 laps around the Shanghai International Circuit.
What is the length of the Chinese F1 track?
The circuit length in Shanghai is 5.451 km per lap.
Who holds the Chinese GP lap record?
The race lap record at Shanghai is 1:32.238, set by Michael Schumacher in 2004.
Which driver has most Chinese GP wins?
Lewis Hamilton holds the record with six Chinese Grand Prix victories.
What makes the Chinese GP special?
Shanghai features one of the longest straights in Formula 1 and a unique layout with sweeping corners that place heavy demands on tyres, braking, and overtaking strategy, often producing exciting and unpredictable races.
Shanghai International Circuit
The Shanghai International Circuit is one of Formula 1’s most distinctive modern venues, hosting the Chinese Grand Prix since 2004. Located in the Jiading District on the outskirts of Shanghai, the purpose built facility was designed by Hermann Tilke and is famous for its layout inspired by the Chinese character “shang,” meaning “above” or “ascend.” Wide track widths, large run off areas, and dramatic elevation changes create a technical challenge that rewards both aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, while the region’s unpredictable spring weather often adds an extra layer of uncertainty to race strategy.
The circuit measures 5.451 km and features 16 corners, including the iconic tightening Turns 1 and 2 and one of the longest back straights in Formula 1, which leads into a heavy braking hairpin that provides prime overtaking opportunities. Long corners place sustained stress on the front tyres, making tyre management a crucial factor throughout the race. The combination of sweeping sequences, slow speed sections, and high speed zones ensures that teams must find a balanced setup, while the wide layout often produces exciting wheel to wheel racing and multiple strategic options.
- Track length: 5.451 km
- Laps: 56
- Corners: 16
- Lap record: 1:32.238 — Michael Schumacher (Ferrari, 2004)
- Capacity: Approximately 200,000
- First F1 race: 2004
