Chinese GP Week Preview
Chinese Grand Prix History
Construction of the Shanghai International Circuit started in 2002, and Formula 1 quickly locked in a seven-year deal to host the Chinese Grand Prix from 2004 to 2011. The first race took place in September 2004, with Rubens Barrichello taking the win for Ferrari. The Chinese GP became a regular stop on the F1 calendar from 2004 to 2019, and despite cancellations from 2020 to 2023 due to COVID-19, the race is set to stay on the calendar until at least 2030 after a recent contract extension.
About the Track
The Shanghai International Circuit (SIC) sits in the Jiading District of Shanghai, China. It’s 5.451 km (3.39 miles) long with 16 technical corners, designed by Hermann Tilke. It’s been a staple of the F1 calendar since its debut in 2004.
Weekend Highlights
🏁 First Sprint Weekend of the Season
Friday: 60-minute Free Practice + Sprint Qualifying
Saturday: Sprint + Grand Prix Qualifying
Sunday: Grand Prix
Top Takeaways
McLaren Looks Fast
McLaren isn’t quite dominant yet, but they looked like the team to beat all weekend. A front-row lockout, a win, and if not for Piastri’s mistake, it could’ve been a double podium. If I were McLaren, I’d be feeling pretty great about this season so far. Stay sharp, but enjoy it while it’s good.
Mercedes is Back?
George Russell looked strong all weekend, and the team's late-race strategy was spot on — helping rookie Kimi Antonelli to a fourth-place finish in his debut. Mercedes sits tied for first in the constructors’ standings with 27 points. A strong start.
Red Bull’s Mixed Bag
Max was in the mix all weekend, fighting Lando to the last lap. But Liam Lawson had a rough debut — a Q1 exit and a race-ending spin into the barriers. Red Bull’s search for a solid second driver is still ongoing, and this wasn’t the start Lawson needed.
Williams Surprises
Williams finished fifth — and it wasn’t Sainz. After looking quick all weekend, Sainz’s race ended with a DNF in rainy conditions. But Albon delivered a clean, impressive drive for his best Williams finish.
Aston Martin: Decent Recovery
Starting 12th and 13th wasn’t ideal, and Alonso’s rare mistake in the rain led to a DNF. But Stroll brought home a solid sixth-place finish. It was not a great weekend, but it was not a disaster either.
Stake-Sauber Looks Alive
Stake-Sauber feels like they swapped places with Haas. Hulkenberg’s performance was outstanding — scoring more points in one race than the team managed all last season. Bortoleto also showed promise. The team looks way more competitive than last year.
Ferrari Fumbles Late
A positive start to the weekend fell apart with a late tire strategy call that cost both drivers positions. Leclerc finished eighth, Hamilton tenth — five constructors’ points, but it could’ve been more.
Alpine's Tough Weekend
Jack Doohan’s home debut was brutal — out on the opening lap. Gasly finished 11th, just outside the points. Australia was not kind to Alpine.
VCARB's Rollercoaster
Yuki started fifth and held his ground for most of the race. But a late pit strategy backfired, leaving him 12th. Meanwhile, rookie Isack Hadjar spun out on the warmup lap. Tough luck after a promising start.
Haas Needs Help
Two crashes from Ollie Bearman had the Haas mechanics working overtime. The qualifying pace was slow, and both cars finished at the back. It’s looking like a rough start to the season for Haas.
