Lewis Hamilton will start on pole position for Ferrari in the first Sprint race of the 2025 season in China. The race is scheduled for Saturday morning.
Following an exciting start to the season in Melbourne, Formula 1 moves to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, which is the first of six Sprint weekends this year.
Against expectations after a challenging start with Ferrari, Hamilton impressively secured pole position in Sprint Qualifying on Friday. He will lead the grid ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri from McLaren.
Lando Norris, currently leading the world championship, will start sixth for McLaren after a mistake on his final qualifying lap.
The Sprint race on Saturday morning is a 19-lap event at the Shanghai International Circuit. Points will be awarded to the top eight finishers. The race begins at 3am.
Qualifying for the main Grand Prix on Sunday will take place on Saturday morning at 7am.
The 56-lap Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday at 7am.
Chinese GP Track – Shanghai International Circuit
China has been part of the F1 calendar since 2004, with all races held at the Shanghai International Circuit. This track is known for causing high tyre wear and features a long straight, promoting overtaking into the Turn 14 hairpin.
F1 returned to Shanghai in 2024 after a five-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. This means teams have less recent data about this track compared to others on the schedule.
The track’s smooth surface and fast corners will favour cars with excellent aerodynamics.
Chinese GP Weather in Shanghai
The weather forecast for Shanghai predicts sunny conditions throughout the weekend, with no rain expected for any of the F1 or F1 Academy sessions. The air temperature is expected to reach a peak of 23C during the afternoons, with light winds.
Chinese GP 2025 Schedule
Saturday, March 22
- 2:25am: Chinese GP Sprint build-up
- 3:00am: Chinese GP Sprint
- 5:45am: F1 Academy Race 1
- 6:35am: Chinese GP Qualifying build-up
- 7:00am: CHINESE GP QUALIFYING
- 9:00am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, March 23
- 2:40am: F1 Academy Race 2
- 5:30am: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 7:00am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX
- 9:00am: Chinese GP reaction: Chequered flag
- 10:00am: Ted’s Notebook
How to Watch the Chinese Grand Prix
Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the Chinese Grand Prix and related events. Check your local listings for viewing options.
