The caravan of 22 Formula 1 drivers has now arrived in Shanghai for the second race of the 2026 season, with the Chinese Grand Prix set to take place on March 15. The weekend will also feature the first sprint race of the season on Saturday at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Looking back to last year, this was the track where Lewis Hamilton grabbed pole position and won the sprint race in 2025, marking his first victory with Ferrari. However, that joy quickly turned into heartbreak when his Sunday race result was later disqualified (DSQ).
The main Grand Prix was eventually won by McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who secured his third F1 victory. Teammate Lando Norris battled hard with George Russell to finish second, giving the reigning constructor's champion a 1-2 finish in Shanghai.
This year, however, things have changed. The F1 2026 regulations have completely reshaped the cars, introducing a 50-50 power split, lighter chassis, new overtaking modes, and several aerodynamic changes.
The season opener in Australia already showed signs of a new competitive order, with Mercedes dominating the grid with 1-2 finish while Ferrari proving that they can fight them.
Will Hamilton be able to repeat his Shanghai magic again this year? Or will Red Bull and Max Verstappen step in between the Mercedes, Ferrari battle as they continue adapting to the new era of Formula 1?
Also Read:F1 Chinese Grand Prix Weather Report: Will Rain Affect the First Sprint Weekend in Shanghai?
Check the Chinese Grand Prix 2026 schedule, including practice sessions, sprint qualifying, the sprint race, qualifying, and the main race timings below:
F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Race Start Timings:
| SESSION | DATE | LOCAL TIME | IST (India) | UK TIME (GMT) | US TIME (CST) | AUS TIME (AET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Friday 13 March 2026 | 11:30am - 12:30pm | 9:00am - 10:00am | 3:30am - 4:30am | 10:30pm - 11:30pm (12/03) | 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
| Sprint Qualifying | Friday 13 March 2026 | 3:30pm - 4:14pm | 1:00pm - 1:44pm | 7:30am - 8:14am | 2:30am - 3:14am | 6:30pm - 7:14pm |
| Sprint | Saturday 14 March 2026 | 11:00am - 12:00pm | 8:00am - 9:00am | 3:00am - 4:00am | 10:00pm - 11:00pm (13/03) | 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
| Qualifying | Saturday 14 March 2026 | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | 12:30pm - 1:30pm | 7:00am - 8:00am | 2:00am - 3:00am | 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
| Race | Sunday 15 March 2026 | 3:00pm | 12:30pm | 7:00am | 2:00am | 6:00pm |
Chinese GP 2026 Live Streaming Details:
Where to watch F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 in India?
In India, the Formula 1 race will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website. The race will not be live telecasted anywhere.
Where to watch Chinese GP 2026 in USA?
In the United States, fans can watch the F1 race on Apple TV app and website.
Where to watch the Formula 1 race in the United Kingdom?
The F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 race will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports F1 in the United Kingdom. Fans can catch live streaming on Sky Go app.
Where to watch the Chinese Grand Prix 2026 race in Australia?
In Australia, the race will be available to live stream on Kayo Sports. On TV, Fox Sports will be broadcasting the Chinese Grand Prix.
Where to watch the F1 Chinese GP 2026 race worldwide?
Fans globally can tune in to the F1 TV app and website for the live streaming of the races.