Formulation 1 continues its 2026 season with the Chinese language Grand Prix on the Shanghai Worldwide Circuit, one of many championship’s most distinctive venues. As the primary dash race of the 12 months, groups might want to shortly familiarize yourself with their new vehicles to struggle for the elevated factors accessible.
First opened in 2004, the monitor’s iconic opening sequence incorporates a tightening right-hand spiral that challenges drivers’ precision and tyre administration.
After the opening spherical of the season, the place George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli scored a 1-2 for Mercedes, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton additionally aggressive up entrance, F1 groups now arrive in Shanghai with extra information on the brand new 2026 laws. Nonetheless, these sweeping adjustments to each chassis design and energy unit structure should still have some surprises in retailer through the condensed working this weekend.
Friday’s working begins with the one follow session of the weekend, earlier than dash qualifying begins mere hours later.
Right here is every part it is advisable to know forward of Friday follow for the Chinese language Grand Prix.
Learn Additionally:
How can I watch the F1 Chinese language GP?
Broadcast protection of Formulation 1 varies by area. In the UK, Sky Sports activities continues because the championship’s unique broadcaster, displaying each session reside all through the 2026 season. Protection will also be streamed through Sky Go or NOW, and highlights of the race will likely be accessible free-to-air on Channel 4.
In america, Apple TV is the first broadcast companion for the 2026 season, with all periods accessible on the platform following a multi-year deal. F1 TV stays the collection’ world subscription streaming service.
Motorsport.com will present reside textual content commentary of each session, starting with Free Observe 1, adopted by dash qualifying.
F1 Chinese language GP schedule
Free Observe 1
Occasion
Date
11:30
Chinese language GP – FP1
Dash Qualifying
Occasion
Date
15:30
Chinese language GP – SPRINT QU
Dash Race
Occasion
Date
11:00
Chinese language GP – SPRINT
Qualifying
Occasion
Date
15:00
Chinese language GP – QU
Chinese language GP – Race
Occasion
Date
15:00
Chinese language GP – RACE
What’s the climate forecast for F1 Chinese language GP Friday follow and dash qualifying?
Climate situations in Shanghai typically play a job throughout race weekends, with spring situations generally bringing cool temperatures or the opportunity of rain.
For Friday’s opening follow session and dash qualifying, largely sunny situations are anticipated with a excessive of 14C and no probability of precipitation. Transferring to Saturday for the dash race and GP qualifying, it is anticipated to be a excessive of 19C, with 0% POP and clear skies.
Early Sunday forecasts forward of the Chinese language GP level to cloudier, cooler situations and as much as a 25% POP.
Shanghai Worldwide Circuit: Monitor information
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the circuit format is extensively recognized for its distinctive opening complicated of corners, which spiral inward earlier than tightening right into a gradual apex. The monitor additionally options one of many longest straights on the Formulation 1 calendar, main right into a heavy braking zone on the finish of the lap.
All F1 2026 Groups and Drivers
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