Formula One arrives in Shanghai for the season's inaugural Sprint-format weekend, where George Russell will attempt to extend the strong form he has shown early in the year at the Chinese Grand Prix.
With the Sprint weekend arriving for the first time this season, the challenge intensifies for the 22 drivers on the grid. Still adjusting to the nuances of the new-generation cars, they will be afforded only an hour of practice before competition resumes in earnest.
Following George Russell's standout triumph in Australia, the Mercedes Formula One team arrive in Shanghai with the upper hand. Yet the unique layout of the Shanghai International Circuit may allow competitors to disrupt that advantage.
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Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen will both aim for a trouble-free weekend after crashes affected their Australian campaigns, while Ferrari continues its push to reduce the deficit to Mercedes.
Following an impressive start to the campaign, Ferrari returns to the venue that produced Lewis Hamilton's most successful outing for the team so far, when he triumphed in last season's Sprint race. McLaren and Red Bull Racing will meanwhile be hoping for a more competitive weekend.
Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Practice Results
George Russell set the pace in the lone practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, heading a commanding one-two for Mercedes.
The championship leader clocked a best time of 1:32.741, finishing 0.120 seconds clear of team-mate Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes pair held a sizeable advantage, running more than half a second quicker than the nearest challenger.
That closest rival was Lando Norris of McLaren, who headed a tightly packed group featuring two McLarens and two Ferrari machines.
Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Race Schedule And Timings
The Chinese Grand Prix 2026 is scheduled from March 13-15. Here's a breakdown:
- Friday, March 13: Sprint Qualifying from 1 p.m. to 1:44 p.m.
- Saturday, March 14: Sprint from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. IST; Qualifying race from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. IST.
- Sunday, March 15: The Chinese Grand Prix 2026 starts at 12:30 p.m. IST.
Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Live Telecast In India
The Chinese Grand Prix 2026 will be telecast live in India on the TATA Play FanCode Sports channel.
Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Live Streaming In India
Fans in India can watch the Chinese Grand Prix on the FanCode app and website.
Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Statistics
According to the official website of Formula 1, here are important statistics for the Chinese Grand Prix:
First Grand Prix – 2004
Track Length – 5.451 km
Lap record – 1 m 32.238 s, Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2004
Most pole positions – Lewis Hamilton (6)
Most wins – Lewis Hamilton (6)
Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Last Five Polesitters
2025 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
2024 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2019 – Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
2018 – Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
2017 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Last Five Winners
2025 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
2024 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2019 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2018 – Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
2017 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
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