Everything You Need to Know Before Watching the China Grand Prix
- Naomi Blair
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Introduction to the China Grand Prix
The China Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races on the Formula 1 calendar. First introduced in 2004, this race marked F1's expansion into China and has since become a key event due to its challenging track layout and unpredictable weather. The Shanghai International Circuit is known for its unique design, featuring long straights, tight hairpins, and complex corner sequences that test both drivers and cars to the limit.
Track Overview – Shanghai International Circuit
Track Length: 5.451 km
Race Distance: 56 laps (305.066 km total)
Lap Record: 1:32.238 (Michael Schumacher, 2004)
The Shanghai International Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, is a technical and physically demanding track. The most notable section is Turns 1 and 2, which form a spiraling right-hander that tightens before switching back left into Turn 3. Drivers must also navigate the longest straight in F1 (1.4km), leading into a sharp hairpin at Turn 14, creating one of the best overtaking spots on the track.
Fun Fact: The track itself was designed to look like the Chinese symbol for “shang”, meaning upwards.
Weather Conditions
FRIDAY, MARCH 21 – FP1 AND SPRINT QUALIFYING
Conditions: Sunny. Light breeze with gusts up to 40kph. FP1: 24°C // Sprint Qualifying: 23°C
Maximum temperature expected: 24 Celsius
Minimum temperature expected: 10 Celsius
Chance of rain: 0%
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 – SPRINT AND QUALIFYING
Conditions: Same kind of weather. Sunny with a gentle breeze, with gusts up to 35-40kph in the evening. Sprint: 25°C // Q: 24°C
Maximum temperature expected: 25 Celsius
Minimum temperature expected: 13 Celsius
Chance of rain: 0%
SUNDAY, MARCH 23 – RACE
Conditions: A bit cloudier but expected to be dry until the evening, with a slight chance of showers after the race. Light wind. Race start: 26°C
Maximum temperature expected: 26 Celsius
Minimum temperature expected: 14 Celsius
Chance of rain: 40%
Teams & Drivers to Watch
With the 2025 season in full swing, here are some key names to follow at the China GP:
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Verstappen won the China Grand Prix last year, can he do it again this year?
Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – Ferrari’s performance during last week’s Grand Prix was subpar... have they learned from their mistakes and will they be able to battle it out on track alongside the top teams?
Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – McLaren has undoubtedly two of the fastest cars on the grid, will this give them the upper hand or will their strategy fall short and risk them losing their current number one standing? (Although they are tied with Mercedes). Piastri’s race result last week was unfortunate but he is bound to return to glory this weekend.
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – This rookie did remarkably well in the Australian GP despite the harsh weather conditions, going from P16 to P4 while showing us his amazing overtaking skills along the way. Could this week’s race be a possible podium for him?
My Current F1 Fantasy Teams
As you can see, my teams took a hit from last week's GP, so I made quite a few transfers which lost me some points. Hopefully I win them back this weekend! (Can you tell which team I support?)
DRS & Overtaking Opportunities
Shanghai is known for great overtaking opportunities, with two DRS zones aiding drivers:
Main Straight (Start/Finish Line) – A common spot for slipstream battles.
Back Straight into Turn 14 Hairpin – The best overtaking opportunity, with heavy braking and DRS assistance.
Additionally, Turn 6’s tight left-hander and Turn 11’s tricky braking zone can create unexpected passing opportunities.
Memorable Shanghai Moments
Over the years, the China Grand Prix has delivered thrilling races and unforgettable moments:
2007: Lewis Hamilton’s infamous pit entry slide into the gravel, costing him the championship.
2018: Daniel Ricciardo’s legendary drive from P6 to victory after a brilliant Red Bull strategy.
2019: The 1000th Formula 1 Grand Prix, won by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
How to Watch & Timing Info
If you’re planning to watch the China Grand Prix, here’s what you need to know:
Where to Watch:
F1 TV Pro (Worldwide streaming)
Sky Sports F1 (UK)
ESPN (USA)
Viaplay (Sweden, Netherlands)
CCTV/Guangdong TV (China)
With all this knowledge in hand, you're now ready to fully enjoy the China Grand Prix! Whether you're cheering for your favorite driver or watching for the strategic battles, this race promises to be a spectacle. If you have not done so already, make your predictions here: https://f1predict.formula1.com/en
