The 2026 Formula 1 season revs up this weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix – Round 2 of the championship and the first event to feature the year’s inaugural F1 Sprint. Following a dramatic season opener in Australia complete with pre-race surprises, chaotic starts, and thrilling overtakes, all eyes turn to the Shanghai International Circuit for another high-octane weekend.

Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Key Session Times

All times listed are local (China Standard Time, UTC+8). Here’s the full schedule for the race weekend:

• Friday, March 13
  • Free Practice 1: 11:30
  • F1 ACADEMY Free Practice: 09:10
  • F1 ACADEMY Qualifying: 14:05
• Saturday, March 14
  • F1 Sprint: 11:00
  • Qualifying: 15:00
  • F1 ACADEMY Race 1: 13:45
• Sunday, March 15
  • Grand Prix: 15:00
  • F1 ACADEMY Race 2: 10:40

How to Watch the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix

Fans around the world can enjoy comprehensive live coverage of every session through F1 TV Pro – the go-to platform for immersive viewing. Subscribers gain access to:

• Onboard cameras for all 20 drivers
• Exclusive Pre-Race and Post-Race Shows
• Ad-free viewing
• Commentary available in six languages

F1 TV Pro is streamable on major platforms including Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast (Gen 2+), and Roku.

For enhanced experiences, F1 TV Premium offers:

• Live races and sessions in 4K Ultra HD/HDR
• Simultaneous streaming on up to six devices
• A personalized Multiview feature with up to 26 camera feeds (on select devices)
• Live coverage of support series: F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY, and Porsche Supercup

For those not subscribing to live video, free live timing will be available via the F1 website and the official F1 mobile app throughout all sessions.

Where Is the Chinese Grand Prix Held?

The Shanghai International Circuit, home of the Chinese Grand Prix since 2004, remains one of F1’s most distinctive tracks. Known for its futuristic design inspired by the Chinese character “shang” (上), the layout delivers a unique challenge to drivers.

Key features include:

• A high-speed opening sequence through Turns 1 and 2, which tighten progressively
• Sharp changes in direction at Turns 3 and 4
• High-g force corners at Turns 7 and 8, a favorite among drivers
• One of the longest straights on the calendar – 1.2km between Turns 13 and 14

Shanghai itself has evolved into a global metropolis since the circuit opened, turning the race into a premier destination for motorsport tourism.

Weather Forecast for Shanghai

Forecasters predict ideal racing conditions across the weekend:

• Saturday: Clear skies, no precipitation. Air temperatures up to 17°C, with track temperatures peaking around 33°C.
• Sunday: Similar clear conditions. Air temps ranging from 8–15°C, with track temps reaching approximately 25°C.
• Winds: Light to moderate, posing no disruption to race operations.

F1 ACADEMY Action at the Chinese GP

The all-female F1 ACADEMY series kicks off its 2026 campaign in Shanghai with the following schedule:

• Friday, March 13: Free Practice (09:10), Qualifying (14:05)
• Saturday, March 14: Race 1 (13:45)
• Sunday, March 15: Race 2 (10:40)

This weekend marks the debut of the new season for the developmental series aimed at increasing diversity in motorsport.

Looking Ahead

With momentum from the Australian GP still echoing — including Max Verstappen’s concerns over early season pace, Carlos Sainz’s impressive debut for Williams, and George Russell’s thrilling victory — fans can expect another intense showdown in Shanghai, especially with Sprint racing adding extra intensity.

Whether you’re tuning in for the Sprint, the ACADEMY races, or the main event, the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix promises to be an unmissable chapter in the new F1 season.