Chinese Grand Prix 2026 schedule: Preview, race time, where to watch, streaming details and what to expect

It is going to be a mega weekend as the F1 drivers are stationed in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix. The three-day event starts on Friday and will also feature Sprint Qualifying and a Sprint race in place of two free practice sessions. Lewis Hamilton, who won the Chinese Sprint last year, is expected to challenge for a podium in Sunday’s race as he appears to be back in form. However, George Russell’s form and his confidence in the Mercedes engine cannot be ignored, as he also emerges as one of the favourites for the winners’ trophy. Here is everything you can expect from the Chinese GP, including when and where to watch the races and more.

Chinese Grand Prix schedule

The first practice session will begin on Friday, March 13 at 11:30 am local time (9 am IST). After an hour-long break, the teams will attend a press conference at 1:30 pm. The real action will begin with the Sprint Qualifying scheduled for 3:30 pm (1 pm IST).

The Sprint race will start at 11 am (8:30 am IST) on Saturday, March 14. The drivers will complete 19 laps of the 5.451 km-long Shanghai International Circuit. It will be followed by a press conference shortly afterwards. The drivers will then gear up for the hour-long Chinese Grand Prix qualifying session at 3 pm (12:30 pm IST), which will again be followed by a press conference.

The Chinese GP race will begin at 3 pm local time (12:30 pm IST) on Sunday, March 15. It is expected to last around two hours, covering 56 laps of the circuit, as opposed to the earlier hour-long race under the old rules.

Where to watch the Chinese Grand Prix

F1 fans in India can watch the Chinese Grand Prix on FanCode, Tata Play, and FanCode Sports in real time. F1 enthusiasts can also subscribe to F1 TV Pro or F1 TV Premium for an enhanced viewing experience.

Here are the broadcast details for the Chinese Grand Prix:
India – FanCode, Tata Play
China – Shanghai TV, Guangdong Television Channel
Australia – Fox Sports, Foxtel, Kayo
USA – ESPN, ESPN Deportes
UK & Ireland – Sky Sports, Channel 4
Canada – RDS, RDS 2, TSN, Noovo
Africa – SuperSport
Brazil – TV Bandeirantes
Italy – Sky Italia
France – Canal+
Germany – Sky Deutschland, RTL
Japan – Fuji TV, DAZN
New Zealand – Sky NZ

Chinese GP 2026 preview

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won the Chinese Grand Prix last year, but things stand differently this season as the new F1 rules come into effect. Lewis Hamilton finally looks to be back in form after struggling with Ferrari last year and remains the driver with the most wins in Shanghai. He even won the Sprint last year and is therefore among the top contenders for the win, or at least a podium finish, this weekend.

Mercedes driver George Russell arrived in Shanghai soon after winning the Australian Grand Prix, and since he also secured a podium here last year, he is another strong contender for a top-three finish.

Drivers had expressed several concerns after the season opener in Melbourne, and the FIA will now closely observe Round 2 in China before deciding whether any changes to the regulations are required.

Chinese Grand Prix weather forecast

The weather looks ideal for racing in Shanghai this weekend, with pleasant and clear conditions and no chances of rain. Temperatures on Friday will range between 3°C and 15°C, with track temperatures expected to be around 33°C.

Temperatures will rise slightly on Saturday, ranging between 4.6°C and 17°C. Sunday will see another slight increase, with temperatures expected to range between 7.8°C and 19°C.

Also read: George Russell’s girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt joins him in Shanghai after missing Australian GP due to surgery, couple goes on food adventure



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