Formula 1 returns to China for the second race of the 2026 season at the Shanghai International Circuit, marking the first sprint weekend of the year. This event follows a dramatic season-opener in Australia, where Mercedes dominated with a one-two finish.
Race Details and Broadcast Information
The Chinese Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, 15 March 2026, with the race starting at 7am GMT. For viewers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will broadcast the event live, with coverage beginning at 5:30am GMT. Subscribers can access the action via the Sky Go app, while non-subscribers can use a NOWTV Day Pass.
In the United States, all practice, qualifying, and race sessions will be streamed exclusively on Apple TV. A seven-day free trial is available for new users. Travelling fans may require a VPN to unblock streaming services abroad.
Season Opener Recap and Driver Insights
Mercedes made a powerful statement in Australia, with George Russell leading teammate Kimi Antonelli to a one-two finish, solidifying Russell's status as a title favourite. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc secured a podium, positioning Ferrari as Mercedes's closest challenger.
Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, finished fourth and continues to seek his first podium for the team. Last year in China, Hamilton won the sprint race but faced a double disqualification in the main event. Defending champion Lando Norris finished fifth for McLaren, which appeared slower than Mercedes, while Oscar Piastri aims to recover from a pre-race crash in Melbourne.
Max Verstappen has expressed dissatisfaction with the new 2026 regulations, particularly the energy management aspects, and has not ruled out leaving the sport.
Driver and Constructor Standings
Here are the current standings ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix:
Driver Standings
- George Russell (Mercedes) - 25 points
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 18 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 15 points
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 12 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren) - 10 points
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 8 points
- Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 6 points
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2 points
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 1 point
Constructor Standings
- Mercedes - 43 points
- Ferrari - 27 points
- McLaren - 10 points
- Red Bull - 8 points
- Haas - 6 points
- Racing Bulls - 4 points
- Audi - 2 points
- Alpine - 1 point
- Williams - 0 points
- Cadillac - 0 points
- Aston Martin - 0 points
2026 Formula 1 Race Calendar
The 2026 season features 24 rounds, with key events including:
- Round 2 - China (sprint weekend): Shanghai International Circuit, 13-15 March
- Round 3 - Japan: Suzuka International Racing Course, 27-29 March
- Round 4 - Bahrain: Bahrain International Circuit, 10-12 April
- Round 5 - Saudi Arabia: Jeddah Corniche Circuit, 17-19 April
- Round 6 - Miami (sprint weekend): Miami International Autodrome, 1-3 May
- Round 7 - Canada (sprint weekend): Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, 22-24 May
- Round 8 - Monaco: Circuit de Monaco, 5-7 June
- Round 9 - Spain (Barcelona): Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, 12-14 June
- Round 10 - Austria: Red Bull Ring, 26-28 June
- Round 11 - Great Britain (sprint weekend): Silverstone Circuit, 3-5 July
- Round 12 - Belgium: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, 17-19 July
- Round 13 - Hungary: Hungaroring, 24-26 July
- Round 14 - Netherlands (sprint weekend): Circuit Zandvoort, 21-23 August
- Round 15 - Italy: Monza Circuit, 4-6 September
- Round 16 - Spain (Madrid): Circuito de Madring, 11-13 September
- Round 17 - Azerbaijan: Baku City Circuit, 25-27 September
- Round 18 - Singapore (sprint weekend): Marina Bay Street Circuit, 9-11 October
- Round 19 - United States: Circuit of the Americas, 23-25 October
- Round 20 - Mexico: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, 30 October-1 November
- Round 21 - Brazil: Interlagos Circuit, 6-8 November
- Round 22 - Las Vegas: Las Vegas Street Circuit, 19-21 November
- Round 23 - Qatar: Lusail International Circuit, 27-29 November
- Round 24 - Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit, 4-6 December
