The 2026 Method 1 season is about to have its first dash race of the yr through the Chinese language Grand Prix on the Shanghai Worldwide Circuit, and a few surprises have already emerged through the one and solely observe session on Friday.
In FP1, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli ended the session in a Mercedes 1-2, at a big margin forward of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri within the McLaren vehicles. Ferrari was simply behind, with Charles Leclerc main Lewis Hamilton.
Early within the session, there was wheel-to-wheel contact between Hamilton and Norris, each escaping (so far) from the stewards.
The highest six vehicles have been 1.388s aside, adopted by Oliver Bearman and Max Verstappen for Haas and Pink Bull, respectively. A number of drivers bumped into points with their new vehicles swapping ends underneath braking or acceleration, with Hamilton, Bearman and Franco Colapinto most notably previous the restrict.
Friday’s operating ends with dash qualifying, with Saturday’s dash race as the primary alternative to see extra of the aggressive order emerge.
Right here is all the things it’s good to know forward of Friday dash qualifying and the Saturday dash race forward of the Chinese language Grand Prix.
How can I watch the F1 Chinese language GP?
All through 2026, broadcast protection of Method 1 varies by area. In the UK, Sky Sports activities continues because the championship’s unique broadcaster, exhibiting each session stay all through the 2026 season. Protection may also be streamed by way of Sky Go or NOW, and highlights of the race can be out there free-to-air on Channel 4.
F1 TV stays the sequence’ international subscription streaming service. In the USA, Apple TV is the first broadcast companion for the 2026 season, with all classes out there on the platform following a multi-year deal.
Motorsport.com will provide live text commentary of every session, including sprint qualifying.
F1 Chinese language GP schedule
Dash Qualifying – Friday
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Chinese language GP – SPRINT QU |
Dash Race – Saturday
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Chinese language GP – SPRINT |
Qualifying – Saturday
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Chinese language GP – QU |
Chinese language GP – Race – Sunday
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Chinese language GP – RACE |
What’s the climate forecast for F1 Chinese language GP Friday dash qualifying?
Climate situations in Shanghai typically play a task throughout race weekends, with spring situations generally bringing cool temperatures or the potential for rain. For Friday’s dash qualifying, largely sunny situations are anticipated with a excessive of 15C and no likelihood of precipitation.
What’s the climate forecast for F1 Chinese language GP Saturday dash race and qualifying?
Transferring to Saturday for the dash race and GP qualifying, it is anticipated to be a excessive of 18C, with 0% POP and clear skies. Forward of Sunday’s Chinese language GP, forecasts level to cloudier, cooler situations and as much as a 25% POP.
Shanghai Worldwide Circuit: Monitor information
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the circuit structure is broadly identified for its distinctive opening complicated of corners, which spiral inward earlier than tightening right into a gradual apex. The observe additionally options one of many longest straights on the Method 1 calendar, main right into a heavy braking zone on the finish of the lap.
All F1 2026 Groups and Drivers
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