Formula 1 speeds on to Shanghai for the first Sprint weekend of the new season with George Russell aiming to build on his flying start to 2026 at the Chinese Grand Prix.After a dramatic debut for F1’s new cars and engines in Melbourne, Mercedes’ rivals will be aiming to take on the early championship leaders around the Shanghai International Circuit – which presents a very different challenge to Albert Park.
Ferrari also impressed at the season opener and now return to the scene of Lewis Hamilton’s best day for them so far from last year, when the Briton won the Sprint, while McLaren and Red Bull will be aiming for stronger showings.
China stages the first of six Sprint events this season.The alternative format sees one single practice session take place before the competitive action begins with Sprint Qualifying later on the Friday, before the 19-lap Sprint itself on Saturday when the weekend’s first points are on offer.
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Lewis Hamilton led from start to finish as he claimed his first victory with Ferrari in the Sprint at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Full qualifying and the 56-lap Grand Prix itself then follow as normal as part of a busy three days of track action, all live on Sky Sports F1.
But that’s not all from Shanghai, as the all-female F1 Academy series opens its fourth season with two races across the weekend.
Chinese GP track – Shanghai International CircuitThe 3.387-mile Shanghai International Circuit is renowned for causing high tyre degradation due to its long high-speed corners and it generally provides plenty of overtaking thanks to the long back straight.Due to the sweeping turns, the track demands great aerodynamic balance so it is not all about the power unit whereas the season-opener in Melbourne was more favourable to teams that worked out how to get the most from the new 2026 F1 engine.
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Highlights from the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
Chinese GP weather forecast in ShanghaiThe weather in Shanghai is set to be dry but cool with no…
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2026-03-09 09:00:00
