Complete guide to the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit, March 13-15. Includes full race weekend schedule, driver lineup, ticket giveaway details, and watch party venues in Shanghai.
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By Ned Kelly
Big boys racing big toys at breakneck speeds in the Chinese Grand Prix, all in pursuit of the 2026 Formula One World Championship.
It's all going down this weekend, March 13-15, with practice and sprint race qualifying on Friday, sprint race and Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday, and the big race from 3pm on Sunday.
Friday
11.30am-12.30pm: Practice
3.30-4.14pm: Sprint Race Qualifying
Saturday
11am-12 noon: Sprint Race
3-4pm: Grand Prix Qualifying
Sunday
3-5pm: Chinese Grand Prix
Here's the inside track...
The Drivers
Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris & Max Verstappen
China's premier motorsport event sees the best racers in the world converge on the city.
Will last year's Chinese Grand Prix winner, McLaren's Oscar Piastri, be first past the checkered flag again?
Can his McLaren teammate Lando Norris clinch a second successive Drivers' World Championship?
Could last year's runner-up Max Verstappen of Red Bull return to the top of the podium and claim his fifth Championship?
Or is six-time Chinese Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton set to get Ferrari back on track and secure an eighth?
This season the Chinese Grand Prix is the second of 24 races, after yesterday's curtain-raiser in Australia.
None of the above racers made the podium in Melbourne, with a Mercedes one-two of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli joined by third place Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari.
Sprint Race
The sprint race is a short, 100-kilometer dash held on Saturdays at select Grand Prix weekends.
Starting at 11am, and lasting approximately 30 minutes, it features flat-out racing without mandatory pit stops.
This format is intended to create a more 'attack-mode' style of racing, with cars fueled for the entire distance, removing the need for strategic tire changes.
While it operates independently of the main Sunday Grand Prix grid, it does offer extra championship points to the top eight finishers, with eight points for the winner down to one for eighth place.
The Circuit
Built on a marsh in Jiading District by German master circuit designer Hermann Tilke and his team of 120 architects for a cool US$450 million, the Shanghai International Circuit was the most expensive Formula One circuit facility when completed in 2004.
See the resemblance?
The layout was inspired by the character shang 上 of Shanghai fame. At 5.5 km long, it has widely varying corners, including the challenging turn 1-2-3 complex, which includes a demanding 270-degree, right-handed corner combination whose radius decreases as the corner progresses.
The circuit offers plenty of overtaking opportunities, with F1 cars capable of reaching top speeds of around 345 km/h (214 mph) on the long back straight between corners 13 and 14, one of the longest straights in Formula One.
Getting There
Going by DiDi? Simply search 'Shanghai International Circuit'—it's around one hour drive from downtown Shanghai.
Going by metro? Shanghai Circuit station is on Line 11.
Shanghai International Circuit 2000 Yining Lu, Jiading District 伊宁路2000号
Tickets
Top Tips
Formula One is loud. Very loud. Ear plugs are your friend. And if you're taking kids along, maybe consider some noise-cancelling headphones.
There are big screens up around the track, but the graphics can be hard to see, so a pair of binoculars can also be useful.
The Hall of Fame
The Chinese Grand Prix joined the Formula One calendar all the way back in 2004, and over the years has produced some historic moments.
From title deciders to breakthrough wins, strategic masterclasses to final victories, the Shanghai International Circuit has seen it all.
Here are some of the most notable highlights in the race's history.
2004
Barrichello 1st Winner
Michael Schumacher had already secured the 2004 Drivers' World Championship, but it was his Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello who won a commanding victory from a pole position start in the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix.
Not the most exciting spectacle, but we were off to the races!
2006
Schumacher's Final F1 Win
Starting sixth on the grid, Ferrari's Michael Schumacher showcased his mastery in 2006, overtaking rivals and securing a memorable win.
Few people would have suspected at the time, however, that the 91st victory of the German legend's Formula One career would also turn out to be his very last.
2007
Hamilton's Pit Lane Disaster
The 2007 race is infamous for Lewis Hamilton's costly mistake. While leading the race, Hamilton stayed out on worn tyres too long and beached his car in the gravel at the pit lane entry.
The error ended up costing Hamilton the championship, which he lost by just one point to Kimi Räikkönen.
The race is also notable as the last where cigarette advertising was openly displayed on a Formula One car.
2008
Hamilton Bounces Back
Lewis Hamilton was not to be Shanghai'd twice, delivering a commanding performance to win the 2008 race by 15 seconds.
The first of Hamilton's record six Chinese Grand Prix victories, it was a critical step toward his first World Championship, which he secured in dramatic fashion at the season finale in Brazil.
2016
Record-Breaking Overtakes
The 2016 race was convincingly won by Nico Rosberg who, on his way to his only World Drivers' Championship, finished over 30 seconds ahead of second-placed Sebastian Vettel.
More notable, however, was that the race had a record 161 overtakes, breaking the previous record of 147 set at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.
2024
Race Returns After COVID
After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Grand Prix returned in 2024, being won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen on his way to a fourth World Drivers' Championship.
Could the flying Dutchman be first past the checkered flag again this year?
Full Chinese Grand Prix Winners List
2025: Oscar Piastri
2024: Max Verstappen
2019: Lewis Hamilton
2018: Daniel Ricciardo
2017: Lewis Hamilton
2016: Nico Rosberg
2015: Lewis Hamilton
2014: Lewis Hamilton
2013: Fernando Alonso
2012: Nico Rosberg
2011: Lewis Hamilton
2010: Jenson Button
2009: Sebastian Vettel
2008: Lewis Hamilton
2007: Kimi Raikkonen
2006: Michael Schumacher
2005: Fernando Alonso
2004: Rubens Barrichello
The Hall of Shame
Don't be this guy
There must have been something in the Shanghai water back in 2015. Firstly, a fan was arrested after he ran onto the track.
The man made it to the other side shortly before one of the cars—which are capable of traveling at speeds of over 300 kilometers an hour—zoomed past.
He then ran into the pits, entering Ferrari's garage.
On being apprehended by security and handed over to the police, the man explained that he simply wanted to try one of the vehicles.
As you do...
Don't be this guy either
He may be the record six-time Chinese Grand Prix winner, but Lewis Hamilton made a negative splash after his victory in 2015.
On receiving his winner's Champagne, he opted to concentrate the bubbly spray directly on the face of one of the F1 grid girls hosting the prize presentation ceremony.
While she graciously smiled her way through the ordeal, it was certainly no way to treat a lady, Mr Hamilton sir.
Win Tickets!
If you haven't already secured your F1 tickets, there is still hope.
This Thursday, March 12, head along to Cages from 8pm for F1 Bingo, where they will be giving away two exclusive F1 Paddock Club tickets for the Saturday, along with other exciting F1 prizes!
What is the F1 Paddock Club?
Occupying a privileged position to watch the action and offering world-class cuisine and free-flow beverages, the F1 Paddock Club is the pinnacle of Formula One hospitality.
Thu Mar 12, from 8pm
Cages 3/F, Jing'an Sports Center, 428 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu 江宁路428号静安体育中心3楼, 近武定路
Watch Parties
Cages
Cages will of course be showing the big race. Coverage starts from noon, with an entry fee of RMB100, which includes two drinks.
Sun Mar 15, from 12 noon; RMB100
Cages 3/F, Jing'an Sports Center, 428 Jiangning Lu, by Wuding Lu 江宁路428号静安体育中心3楼, 近武定路
BNC
Slide to view more
BNC will be showing the race as well as serving up a carvery, which is just RMB128 for adults and RMB68 for kids, and lasts from 1-4pm.
That includes two meats (which change each week), two types of potato, three veg, and—of course—Yorkshire pudding with your choice of beef or onion gravy and horseradish.
Better still, you can add three hours of free flow drinks for just RMB168!
The race will be preceded by a quiz with this week's theme being We Love Music. Family-friendly, entry to the quiz is absolutely free and there are great prizes on offer!
Scan the QR on the poster above to reserve your spot.
Sun Mar 15
Doors 11.30am
Quiz from 12 noon
Carvery from 1pm
F1 from 2pm
BNC 685 Xikang Lu, by Changping Lu, Jing'an District 西康路685号, 近昌平路
The Shed
Get ready to raise a glass because The Shed is celebrating St. Patrick's Day in true Irish style with a massive five-day long weekend party!
From March 13 to 17, both venues will become the ultimate destination for sports fans and party people alike.
Cheer on the final round of the Six Nations Rugby, catch all the high-speed action of the F1 Shanghai GP, and enjoy legendary drink specials all weekend long.
He's sipping on RMB50 pints of Guinness or taking advantage of RMB30 shots of Jameson, Baileys, and Baby Guinness.
You can also fuel up with a hearty Beef and Guinness Stew served with soda bread or mash, topped off with a decadent Baileys Cheesecake, all for just RMB99.
It's the perfect place to eat, drink, and be merry!
Fri-Tue Mar 13-17
The Shed Jing'an 698 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Kangding Lu, Jing'an District 陕西北路698号, 近康定路
The Shed Laowaijie No. 30, Lane 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Hongxu Lu, Minhang District 虹梅路3338弄30号, 近虹许路
Party Parties
POLE POSITION Racing Weekend Party @ Jinmao Tower Skywalk Observation Deck
For the first time ever in Shanghai, POLE POSITION takes racing weekend celebrations to extraordinary new heights at the iconic Jinmao Tower Observation Deck – Skywalk.
Soaring 88 floors above the city, this exclusive event transforms the breath-taking 360° skyline views into Shanghai's most elevated Racing Weekend celebration.
Dance above the clouds as an international headliner from Russia ignites the night, joined by four of Shanghai's top DJs delivering high-energy sounds inspired by the adrenaline of race weekend.
Feel the rush of speed, music, and skyline luxury merging into one unforgettable atmosphere.
Click below to get your tickets now:
Sat Mar 14, 9.30pm-2.30am; RMB138-168
Jinmao Skywalk 88/F, Jinmao Tower, 88 Shiji Dadao, by Dongtai Lu, Pudong District 世纪大道88号88楼, 近东泰路
HIGH OCTANE – Racing Weekend After-party @ FLAIR
For the final race weekend in Shanghai, HIGH OCTANE – Racing Weekend After-party ignites the skyline with pure podium energy, speed, and celebration.
Hosted at FLAIR Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, 58 floors above Pudong, this rooftop experience captures the adrenaline of the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix and transforms it into a night of champagne sprays, flashing lights, and victory vibes.
Dance from sunset till late with two international headliners from Portugal and Russia, alongside six more DJs delivering beats to match the race-day rush. Moët & Chandon, the official Champagne sponsor, sets the stage for premium pours, signature luxury moments, and sparkling celebrations.
Celebrate the adrenaline-fueled weekend with top talent, the city's coolest crowd, and fellow F1 fans, as you mix with special guests and racing personalities high above the skyline.
Sip, toast, and enjoy a rooftop night where speed meets sophistication.
Click below to get your tickets now:
Sun Mar 15, 5pm-1am; RMB188-238
FLAIR Rooftop Restaurant & Bar Ritz-Carlton Pudong, 58/F, 8 Shiji Da Dao, by Lujiazui Huan Lu, Pudong District 世纪大道8号, 上海浦东丽思卡尔顿酒店58楼 近陆家嘴环路
Organizer
When it comes to organizing major international sporting events in China, Michael Luevano is the man.
As well as overseeing the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, he is tournament director of the Rolex Shanghai Masters tennis and equestrian - LONGINES Global Champions Tour of Shanghai.
Oh, and he's put on Shanghai shows for Elton John, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones for good measure.
We sat down with him for an interview back in 2020—click the link below to read it...
READ MORE: Michael Luevano, Tournament Director of the Rolex Shanghai Masters
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