Chinese Grand Prix preview
March 15, Shanghai International Circuit

Intense debate about the new era of F1 continues to divide opinion,
with increased overtaking providing more entertainment, while concerns
remain that advancing technology may overshadow driver ability

Sprint races 2026
China hosts opening Sprint weekend
of season – thrilling 100km format
is acclaimed for driving increased
attendances, and viewership across
broadcast, digital and social platforms

Mar 14	Shanghai, CHN
May 2	Miami, USA
May 23	Montreal, CAN
Jul 4	Silverstone, GBR
Aug 22	Zandvoort, NED
Oct 10	Singapore, SIN

George
Russell
British driver
secured
imperious
victory in
Australia

84%
Live TV audience increase for 2025 Shanghai Sprint
race – Top 15 broadcast markets, compared to 2024

Fast and furious: Sprint points
since 2021 introduction
Norris and Verstappen each
secured two sprint victories
in 2025 – Hamilton and
Piastri one apiece

TYRE CHOICES:
Pirelli have selected
three mid-range
compounds for Shanghai

C2
C3
C4

Sprint
victories

Max
Verstappen
143pts
13
Lando
Norris
86
3
Charles
Leclerc
84
George
Russell
80
1
Carlos
Sainz
79
Oscar
Piastri
71
3
Lewis
Hamilton
63
1
Sergio
Perez 53
1
Other
drivers (13)
115

Race statistics
2025 Grand Prix result: Top 6 places
Oscar Piastri	McLaren
Lando Norris	McLaren
George Russell	Mercedes
Max Verstappen	Red Bull
Esteban Ocon	Haas
Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes

Most driver
victories:
Lewis Hamilton, 6

Constructor
victories:
Mercedes, 6

Lap record:
(Set in 2004 – longest-standing
fastest lap in F1 history)
M. Schumacher, 1:32.238

Sources: FIA, Pirelli
Picture: Getty
Other sprint wins: Valtteri Bottas (2)
© GRAPHIC NEWS