The Chinese Grand Prix is the second race on the Formula One calendar for 2026.
Just a week removed from a chaotic curtain-raiser in Australia, the F1 paddock heads to Shanghai with all the focus remaining on the controversial new technical regulations that have proven so divisive.
Max Verstappen has derisively compared the sport’s revamped rules to ‘Mario Kart’, with reigning world champion Lando Norris another to voice his disproval, though Mercedes look to be flourishing in the new era and Lewis Hamilton is also a fan.
George Russell got the better of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during a fascinating early battle in Melbourne before claiming victory on opening weekend, with Kimi Antonelli making it a Silver Arrows one-two as Leclerc had to settle for third on the podium.
Hamilton was fourth and Norris fifth for McLaren, one place ahead of Verstappen, who started in 20th following a crash during qualifying.
Ollie Bearman, rookie Arvid Lindblad, Gabriel Bortoleto and Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10, with Audi and Cadillac both making their debuts.
An assessment of the new regulations will be made after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka later this month, with the following stops in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia still in doubt due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
When is Chinese Grand Prix?
The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, March 15 at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China.
Chinese Grand Prix start time
The race is due to start at 7am GMT in the UK, which is 3pm local time in Shanghai.
Chinese Grand Prix schedule
The first practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix takes place at 3:30am GMT on Friday morning, with sprint qualifying at 7:30am.
The sprint race itself is at 3am GMT on Saturday morning, followed by qualifying for the grand prix at 7am GMT.
The Chinese Grand Prix is on Sunday at 7am GMT.
Chinese Grand Prix starting grid
The starting grid for the race will be determined during qualifying on Saturday. Check back in then for the results.
How to watch Chinese Grand Prix
TV channel: Every session from the Chinese Grand Prix will be available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports’ dedicated F1 channel.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch every session from Shanghai live online via the Sky Go app.
Free highlights: Channel 4 will show free-to-air highlights of the race from 1pm GMT on Sunday afternoon. They will have sprint race and qualifying highlights from 2pm GMT on Saturday.
Chinese Grand Prix weather forecast
It should be clear and sunny in Shanghai throughout the weekend, with seemingly no danger of rain playing havoc with proceedings. Temperatures should reach around 13 degrees on race day.
