What makes the Chinese Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Chinese Grand Prix has been a key fixture on the Formula 1 calendar for over two decades and is a beloved circuit among drivers and fans, with overtaking opportunities galore.

First held in 2004, the China has produced countless unforgettable moments over the years, including special victories, epic title drama, and shock collisions – it even had the honour of hosting the 1000th F1 Grand Prix in 2019.

The event continues to be special, and the 2026 edition will see double the drama as Shanghai hosts the first F1 Sprint weekend of Formula 1's brand-new era on 13-15 March.

The first Sprint of the season

Since it began in 2021, the F1 Sprint weekend has become a fan favourite and few venues deliver it quite like Shanghai. The format returns to China for 2026, with the condensed nature of the Sprint itself often delivering drama.

Last year, Lewis Hamilton took Sprint victory in Shanghai – his first visit to the top step with the Scuderia – saying afterwards: “Starting from first and winning in a Ferrari is next level, man. It's mega.”

There's every reason to expect more fireworks in 2026, with 22 cars, new regulations and limited practice time in only the second round of the season.

When is the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?

The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday, 13 March with the F1 cars on track for the only Free Practice session of the weekend, followed by Sprint Qualifying later that afternoon. Saturday, 14 March kicks off with the Sprint followed by Grand Prix Qualifying. The Grand Prix itself takes place on Sunday, 15 March at 1500 local time.

Check out the RACE HUB to see when each F1 session starts in your local time zone, wherever you are in the world.

What’s so great about Shanghai International Circuit?

The circuit’s pleasant form when seen from the air – it’s designed to look like the Chinese symbol for ‘shang’, meaning upwards – is equally pleasing to the racers on terra firma, as there's plenty of overtaking opportunities.

There’s a unique start to the lap as the cars fly into the ever-tightening Turns 1 and 2, before they dart left through 3 and 4. The super-high g force Turns 7 and 8 are loved by the drivers, while the circuit also features one of the longest straights on the calendar, the 1.2km stretch that separates Turns 13 and 14.

The weekend schedule is full of action and there's plenty to look forward to, with F1 practice, Qualifying, the Sprint and the Grand Prix supported by other categories – including F1 Academy. That means plenty of track running and multiple chances to see wheel-to-wheel action.

Away from the racing, the event itself is open and welcoming. Many grandstands sit close to the action, while general admission areas offer views through the tight and twisty corners of Sector 1 and 2, and the epic overtakes on the long straight in Sector 3.

Fans have plenty more to check out over the weekend too, including the official F1 Fanzone at the circuit. There's also a fan festival taking place in the city over race week – the 'Checkered Flag Carnival' – including local music acts, a host of engagement activities, and a historic car display.

Standout moments in Shanghai

Shanghai has served up some unforgettable moments throughout the years since first hosting an F1 weekend in 2004.

We couldn’t possibly list them all, but here’s a selection to give you an idea as to just how special this race is…

2004: The inaugural Chinese Grand Prix saw Rubens Barrichello claim victory ahead of Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen, while already-crowned champion Michael Schumacher’s impressive run of top-two finishes ended after recovering from the pit lane to P12.

2005: Fernando Alonso kept his composure after Narain Karthikeyan’s heavy crash to take victory and Renault’s maiden Constructors’ crown in unforgettable fashion.

2006: Schumacher produced one of the great Shanghai drives to claim his 91st and final victory. Starting from sixth in damp conditions, with title rival Alonso on pole, the German defied the odds to win and draw level on points with two races remaining.

2007: McLaren rookie Hamilton arrived in Shanghai as the favourite to secure the 2007 Drivers' title in his first season, but he beached his car in the gravel at pit entry, throwing away crucial points to his rivals. Raikkonen kept his composure to win the race – a crucial step towards the title that year.

2010: Button mastered the changing conditions with one of his trademark strategic gambles – staying out on slicks while most pitted. After a late Safety Car, he held off team mate Hamilton to claim what he later claimed was his “best win yet.”

2018: After a Toro Rosso clash brought out the Safety Car, Daniel Ricciardo took the soft tyre gamble to slice through the field and overtake Valtteri Bottas for a memorable victory, celebrating with his classic line: “Sometimes you’ve just got to lick the stamp and send it.”

2019: F1’s 1000th Grand Prix produced some record results – with Hamilton claiming his 75th victory and Mercedes snagging their third consecutive 1-2 finish.

2024: China’s first F1 driver, Zhou Guanyu, shared an emotional post-race moment with his home fans on the start finish straight – telling the media afterwards he was "super proud and honoured to be the first Chinese driver to compete" in the event after 20 years.

How can I watch the Chinese Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).