Formula 1 is heading to Shanghai for the second round of the 2025 season, continuing the double-header.
While it`s early in a 23-race championship to discuss titles, Lando Norris leads the drivers` standings for the first time this season. His McLaren team is also tied with Mercedes in the constructors` championship.
Lewis Hamilton has historically been very successful in Shanghai, though Max Verstappen secured his first victory here last year. Historically, pole position often translates to a win for drivers like Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Verstappen. Will this pattern continue this weekend? McLaren`s last Chinese Grand Prix win was between 2008 and 2011, with Hamilton winning twice and Jenson Button once.
The weather forecast for the weekend predicts warm, settled conditions with plenty of sunshine and temperatures reaching 25°C. Sunday is expected to be warm and cloudy with a low chance of rain.
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Charles Leclerc mentioned that McLaren was so far ahead at the Australian Grand Prix that his engineer didn`t even mention their lap times. Norris added that McLaren has learned from last year`s mistakes.
Lewis Hamilton described his first race experience with Ferrari as `worse than I thought it would go` when speaking to reporters.
Thailand`s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated a study to explore hosting a Grand Prix on a street circuit in Bangkok starting from 2028.
If you missed it, you can catch up on analysis from the Australian season opener and explore reactions from the first race.
Listen to race previews and the latest episodes of Unlapped.
Circuit Stats and History
The Shanghai International Circuit, built in 2003 on marshland and former rice paddies, cost an estimated $450 million. Its unique track layout from Turns 1 to 4 is inspired by the Chinese symbol `Shang,` meaning `above` or `ascend.` It features one of the longest straights on the F1 calendar at 1.2km and has a total capacity of around 200,000.
Uniquely, each team has its own building instead of the usual motorhomes, designed to resemble Shanghai`s ancient Yuyuan Garden.
- First Race: 2004
- Laps: 56 laps of 5.4km, Total race distance 305km
- Lap Record: 1:32.238, Michael Schumacher (2004)
- Most Wins: Hamilton with six (2008, 2011, 2014-2015, 2017, 2019). Among current drivers, Fernando Alonso (2005, 2013) and Verstappen (2024) have won from pole.
- Most Poles: Hamilton with seven (2008, 2011, 2014-2015, 2017, 2019). Among current drivers, Fernando Alonso (2005, 2013) and Verstappen (2024) have started on pole.
- What Makes It Special: The massive spiraling opening corner and an iconic pit building with two covered bridges over the pit straight.
- Driver`s Perspective: Nico Hülkenberg: `When I think of Shanghai, I remember the towers on the main straight and the paddock buildings by the lake. It’s a circuit with a special character and personality.`
Chinese Grand Prix
Last Year`s Race Recap
Verstappen achieved his first Chinese Grand Prix victory in a dominant fashion. He finished 14 seconds ahead of Lando Norris, despite two safety car periods during the race.
Who is Expected to Win?
Considering McLaren`s car performance in Melbourne, they appear to be the team to beat. While Oscar Piastri is highly motivated, Norris is still considered the favorite.
How to Watch the GP
Watch live coverage in the U.K. on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For news, analysis, and live updates, follow ESPN`s F1 team with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson in Shanghai on social media.
Session Times (GMT)
Friday
Free practice one: 03:30-04:30
Sprint qualifying: 07:30-08:14
Saturday
Sprint race: 03:00-04:00
Qualifying: 07:00-08:00
Sunday
Race starts: 07:00.
Standings | Calendar | Teams
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