2025 Shanghai GP: Full Weekend Schedule and Key Timings

F1 returns to China for an electrifying Sprint weekend, with McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari set to battle on Shanghai’s iconic track.

The Formula 1 season is heating up, and the action shifts to Shanghai this weekend for the Chinese Grand Prix 2025—the second round of the season. But this isn’t just any race weekend; it’s also the first Sprint event of the year, adding an extra layer of excitement.

After a successful return to the calendar in 2024, the Shanghai International Circuit is back once again, promising intense battles on one of F1’s most unique tracks.

Sprint Weekend Format: What to Expect

F1 has stuck with the same Sprint format as last season, which means:
Friday: Free Practice 1 (FP1) followed by Sprint Qualifying in the afternoon.
Saturday: The Sprint race takes place in the morning, setting the stage for Grand Prix Qualifying in the afternoon.
Sunday: The Main Race—where championship points are on the line.

One key rule remains: Parc Fermé regulations still limit modifications between Sprint Qualifying and the Sprint Race, but teams can adjust setups after the Sprint before regular Qualifying. This gives engineers more flexibility while keeping things competitive.

Shanghai International Circuit: Key Corners to Watch

Shanghai’s track is known for its technical complexity, long straights, and tight corners that push both drivers and cars to their limits. Here are some key spots to keep an eye on:

Turn 1: A long, tightening right-hander that flows into Turn 2. Drivers must manage understeer while braking for nearly three seconds—a challenge, especially on worn tires.

Turn 7: A high-speed left-hander taken in seventh or eighth gear, where lateral G-forces can reach 4G. Precision is everything here.

Turn 9: A tough braking zone following a series of fast corners. Getting a clean exit is crucial, as it leads into the straight toward Turn 10.

Turn 13: A tricky banked corner that launches cars onto the circuit’s 1.3 km back straight—one of the longest in F1. Top speed can exceed 320 km/h, with drivers at full throttle for nearly 20 seconds.

Turn 14: The hairpin at the end of the straight. Drivers slam the brakes, dropping from 320 km/h to just 60 km/h, making this a prime overtaking spot.

Who Are the Favorites?

After McLaren’s dominant performance in Australia—both in dry and wet conditions—they come in as the team to beat in Shanghai. But competition is fierce:

Red Bull & Max Verstappen will be right there, though teammate Liam Lawson is still struggling with the RB21’s handling.

Mercedes looks strong and could challenge for the podium, while Ferrari needs to bounce back after an underwhelming Melbourne performance.

Williams & Racing Bulls showed promise last time out, but all eyes will be on Haas, who finished dead last in Australia and desperately need a turnaround.

With just one practice session before qualifying, teams must nail their setups quickly—making this a high-stakes weekend where strategy could be the difference.

Chinese Grand Prix 2025 Schedule (Shanghai Time

Set your alarms early—Shanghai time means a morning race for many fans around the world.

Who’s your pick for the win? Let us know!

Full List of Chinese Grand Prix Winners

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