The Formula 1 season continues in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, featuring the first Sprint weekend of 2025. Lewis Hamilton will start the Sprint race from pole position for Ferrari.
After an exciting start to the season in Melbourne, Formula 1 travels to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix and the first of six Sprint events this year.
In a surprising turn of events, Hamilton secured pole position in Sprint Qualifying, leading the grid ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
Lando Norris, currently leading the championship, will start from sixth place after a mistake on his final qualifying lap.
Watch Lewis Hamilton’s sensational pole lap in Sprint Qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The Sprint race is scheduled for Saturday morning and will be a 19-lap contest at the Shanghai International Circuit. Points will be awarded to the top eight finishers. The Sprint race begins at 3am UK time, with pre-race coverage starting from 2.25am.
Qualifying for the main Grand Prix will take place on Saturday morning at 7am UK time.
The 56-lap Grand Prix is set for Sunday at 7am UK time, with build-up from 5.30am.
Shanghai International Circuit
Flashback to 2010: Sebastien Buemi’s dramatic tyre explosions during practice at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The Shanghai International Circuit has been the venue for the Chinese Grand Prix since 2004. Known for its demanding tyre wear and long straight, it offers great overtaking opportunities, particularly into the Turn 14 hairpin.
Formula 1 returned to Shanghai in 2024 after a five-year absence due to the pandemic. This means teams have less recent data on this track compared to others on the calendar.
The track’s smooth surface and high-speed corners emphasize the importance of aerodynamic performance.
Track guide: A closer look at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Weather Forecast for Shanghai
The weather forecast for the Chinese GP weekend is promising, with sunny conditions expected throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for both F1 and F1 Academy sessions.
Expect sunny skies all weekend with peak air temperatures around 23C during the afternoons and light winds.
Chinese GP Weekend Schedule (UK Times)
Relive some of the most memorable moments from the Shanghai International Circuit.
Saturday, March 22
- 2:25am: Sprint Race Build-up
- 3:00am: Chinese GP Sprint Race
- 5:45am: F1 Academy Race 1
- 6:35am: Qualifying Build-up
- 7:00am: Chinese GP Qualifying
Sunday, March 23
- 2:40am: F1 Academy Race 2
- 5:30am: Grand Prix Sunday Build-up
- 7:00am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX
Watch the Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 7am UK time.
