F1 Returns to Shanghai for Sprint Weekend
Formula 1 arrives in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix on March 13-15, marking the second round of the 2026 season and the first sprint weekend of the year. After a dramatic season opener in Australia, where George Russell led a Mercedes one-two finish, teams face a new challenge at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The weekend features a compressed schedule with just one practice session before competitive action begins. Sprint qualifying takes place Friday, followed by the sprint race and main qualifying on Saturday, before Sunday's grand prix.
Race Schedule and Start Times
All times are in GMT for UK viewers, with the race taking place at 7am GMT (3pm local time) on Sunday, March 15.
Friday, March 13
- Free Practice 1: 3:30am GMT
- Sprint Qualifying: 7:30am GMT
Saturday, March 14
- Sprint Race: 3:00am GMT
- Qualifying: 7:00am GMT
Sunday, March 15
- Chinese Grand Prix: 7:00am GMT
How to Watch in the UK and US
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 has exclusive live coverage of every session throughout the weekend. Sky Sports subscribers can also stream via the Sky Go app. Channel 4 will broadcast free-to-air highlights of qualifying at 2pm on Saturday and the race at 1pm on Sunday.
For viewers in the United States, Apple TV is the new exclusive broadcaster of Formula 1, having taken over from ESPN. All practice sessions, qualifying, sprint races, and the grand prix will stream live on Apple TV, which offers a seven-day free trial. The service includes F1 TV Premium at no additional cost, providing access to multiple camera angles, telemetry, and timing data.
"Apple TV is the place to watch every Grand Prix live and on demand — including all practice, qualifying, and Sprint sessions, along with races — all season long."
Mercedes Dominance and Ferrari's Response
Mercedes enters Shanghai as the team to beat after Russell's commanding victory in Melbourne, where he led teammate Kimi Antonelli to a one-two finish. The Silver Arrows appear to have adapted best to F1's controversial new technical regulations.
Ferrari, however, is bringing a radical upgrade to China. The Scuderia will debut what's been dubbed the "macarena" or "upside-down" wing — a rotating rear wing element designed to improve performance. The innovative design has generated significant attention in the paddock.
Lewis Hamilton arrives in Shanghai still seeking his first podium with Ferrari, a year after his sprint victory at the same circuit remains his main highlight with the team. The seven-time world champion finished fourth in Australia and will be eager to challenge his former Mercedes team.
Championship Picture After Australia
Russell leads the drivers' standings after the opening round, with Antonelli second and Charles Leclerc third. Max Verstappen, who started 20th after a qualifying crash in Melbourne, recovered to finish sixth and sits well down the order.
The reigning world champion has been vocal in his criticism of the 2026 regulations, comparing them to "Mario Kart" and expressing concerns about the "dangerous" nature of the new cars. F1 is expected to address these concerns with potential rule changes after the Japanese Grand Prix later this month.
Weather and Track Conditions
Shanghai should enjoy clear, sunny conditions throughout the weekend, with temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius on race day. No rain is forecast, meaning teams can focus purely on setup without weather complications.
The Shanghai International Circuit's long back straight will put the new power units under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding energy management and battery deployment — key challenges under the 2026 regulations.
Press Conference Schedule
The FIA has released the official press conference schedule for the weekend:
Thursday, March 12: Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Esteban Ocon (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), Max Verstappen (Red Bull), and Alex Albon (Williams) at 12:30pm local time.
Friday, March 13: Team representatives Steve Nielsen (Alpine), Jonathan Wheatley (Audi), and Laurent Mekies (Red Bull) at 1:30pm local time.
Post-session press conferences will feature the top three finishers from the sprint race, qualifying, and the grand prix itself.
Looking Ahead
The Chinese Grand Prix represents a crucial test for F1's new era. After the chaos of Melbourne, teams will be eager to demonstrate they can master the regulations across different circuit types. Shanghai's unique layout, featuring a mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, will provide fresh insights into the competitive order.
With Mercedes showing early dominance, Ferrari bringing major upgrades, and Red Bull struggling to find form, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.