The Chinese Grand Prix: A Guide to the Shanghai International Circuit

To the excitement of the fans, the Chinese Grand Prix will be returning to the Formula 1 calendar in 2024. Debuting in 2004, the Chinese Grand Prix was raced at consecutively for 16 years until 2019. Like many races in 2020, the pandemic put a halt to China’s participation with F1. Although races were originally scheduled up until 2023, they were cancelled due to the strict Covid regulations in the country. Currently held at the Shanghai International Circuit, the Chinese Grand Prix is an exciting addition to the F1 calendar and the fans and drivers are all excited for its return in April of 2024.

Description of the Singapore circuit and its layout

The Shanghai International Circuit was originally inspired by the Chinese character shang (上), which is the first character in the name of the city Shanghai. There are a total of 16 turns within this circuit, adding up to a total length of 5.451 km (3.388 mi). The circuit features one of the longest straights on the calendar, with 1.2 km (0.7 mi) separating turns 13 and 14. The circuit has a series of long straights and two 270° corners. With many drivers never having driven on this circuit, the Grand Prix is sure to be one that is unpredictable and exhilarating.

Shanghai track map and unique features

The Shanghai International Circuit is known for its unique shape inspired by the Chinese character, shang. Despite not being a part of the calendar for the past four years, it is known to be a demanding track that challenges the drivers and the cars.

Weather predictions for Shanghai during the 2025 race weekend

During the 2025 Chinese GP scheduled from March 20th to 23rd, attendees can expect fairly warm temperatures ranging from 11° C (51° F) to 18° C (64° F). March is known to be a mildly warm month in Shanghai where race goers can expect cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, but warmer temperatures during the day. It is advised that travelers come prepared with rain gear as Shanghai is known for their unpredictable rain showers.

Chinese GP lap record and its history

The lap record at the Shanghai International Circuit is held by Michael Schumacher, who set a time of 1:32.238 in 2004 while he was driving for Ferrari.

Memorable moments from past Chinese GP events

Michael Schumacher, one of the best Formula One drivers, took his last race victory at the Shanghai circuit in 2006. He still currently holds the lap record at the circuit, which he set in 2004 while he was driving for Ferrari. Another memorable moment at the Chinese Grand Prix was back in 2009 when a young Sebastian Vettel claimed Red Bull’s very first victory. Vettel started the race on pole position and faced many challenges as the weather was quite unfavorable. In the end, he came home to claim victory for the Austrian team.

Past Chinese Grand Prix winners

Lewis Hamilton is the most successful Formula One driver at the Shanghai International Circuit. He has won a total of six times at the circuit and has led Mercedes to being the top winning team at the Chinese Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg are tied for second as the most successful drivers at this circuit, both of whom have won a total of two different times.

Chinese F1 drivers and their achievements

Zhou Guanyu is the first and only Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1. Zhou joined Formula 1 in 2022, signing with Alfa Romeo to partner Valtteri Bottas. With an impressive start to his debut season, Zhou Guanyu scored a point at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix and finished the year with a total of six points. Zhou resigned with Alfa Romeo, who re-branded to Sauber F1, and drove for them for the remainder of the 2024 season. 

Overview of the F1 Chinese 2024 event

The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix was an exciting event that saw Max Verstappen claim the win for Red Bull. Verstappen had started the race from pole position ahead of his teammate, Sergio Perez. The 2024 race weekend was also the first sprint race weekend of the season. Lando Norris had started the sprint from pole position ahead of the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, but Max Verstappen made his way up from P4 to claim the sprint victory.

Chinese Grand Prix 2025 dates and schedule

The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from March 20th to March 23rd. The race weekend will include a practice session on March 20th, followed by the sprint qualifying session for Saturday’s sprint race. The 21st will have the Sprint race followed by the qualifying session for the Grand Prix. Lastly, the Grand Prix will take place on March 23rd.

How to get tickets for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix

Tickets for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix can be purchased through FanAmp directly. Tickets are also available for purchase on the official Formula 1 website or other authorized ticket vendors. It’s recommended to book early to secure the best seats and prices.

If you’re looking for more information on where to sit, check out our Chinese Grand Prix seating guide. 

Navigating Shanghai time and time zone considerations

Shanghai operates on China Standard time, which is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +8). It is important for international visitors to adjust their schedules accordingly to ensure they don’t miss any of the action.

Suggested accommodations and travel tips for Shanghai

Shanghai offers a wide range of accommodations for visiting tourists and race goers. There are numerous options for different budgets ranging from luxury hotels to more affordable hostels. Shanghai has a never ending list of things to do when you’re in the city. If you’re visiting for the Grand Prix, make sure to check out our list of the must-see and do things in Shanghai!

Shanghai has a variety of transportation options with 12 different subway lines connecting the various areas of the city. Make sure you’re planning your travel within Shanghai as efficiently as possible and check out the best areas to stay in to maximize your time in Asia!

Interesting facts related to the Chinese Grand Prix

The Shanghai International Circuit is largest on the Formula 1 calendar with the ability to hold a capacity of 200,000 spectators. Not only is Lewis Hamilton the most successful driver at the Chinese Grand Prix, but he is also the only driver to have taken the fastest lap at the race more than once, for a total of four separate times.

Being a notorious circuit that challenges the tires and the brakes, the fans and driver have been anticipating the return of the Chinese Grand Prix. The Shanghai International Circuits unique turns and straights makes it a race that brings unexpected outcomes and continues to be a highlight during the Formula 1 season.

Looking for more on the Chinese Grand Prix?

If you’re attending the Chinese GP now or in the future, we highly recommend checking out our other articles to make sure you plan your trip accordingly and don't miss out on all the activities and events happening throughout the race weekend!

When you’re finished, jump into the Grand Prix Travel community on FanAmp and Reddit to ask questions and connect with other avid F1 fans.