Formula 1 speeds on to Shanghai for the first Sprint weekend of the new season with George Russell aiming to build on his flying start to 2026 at the Chinese Grand Prix.

After a dramatic debut for F1's new cars and engines in Melbourne, Mercedes' rivals will be aiming to take on the early championship leaders around the Shanghai International Circuit - which presents a very different challenge to Albert Park.

Ferrari also impressed at the season opener and now return to the scene of Lewis Hamilton's best day for them so far from last year, when the Briton won the Sprint, while McLaren and Red Bull will be aiming for stronger showings.

China stages the first of six Sprint events this season.

The alternative format sees one single practice session take place before the competitive action begins with Sprint Qualifying later on the Friday, before the 19-lap Sprint itself on Saturday when the weekend's first points are on offer.

Full qualifying and the 56-lap Grand Prix itself then follow as normal as part of a busy three days of track action, all live on Sky Sports F1.

But that's not all from Shanghai, as the all-female F1 Academy series opens its fourth season with two races across the weekend.

Chinese GP track - Shanghai International Circuit

The 3.387-mile Shanghai International Circuit is renowned for causing high tyre degradation due to its long high-speed corners and it generally provides plenty of overtaking thanks to the long back straight.

Due to the sweeping turns, the track demands great aerodynamic balance so it is not all about the power unit whereas the season-opener in Melbourne was more favourable to teams that worked out how to get the most from the new 2026 F1 engine.

Chinese GP weather forecast in Shanghai

The weather in Shanghai is set to be dry but cool with no rain affecting the Sprint weekend action. In fact, the air temperature will only be around 18C across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Chinese GP 2026 dates, UK start time and Sky Sports F1's live schedule

Thursday March 12
5am: Drivers' Press Conference
8am: Paddock Uncut

Friday March 13
1.05am: F1 Academy Practice
3am: Chinese GP Practice (session starts at 3.30am)*
5.30am: Team Bosses Press Conference*
6am: F1 Academy Qualifying*
6.45am: Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 7.30am)*

Saturday March 14
2.25am: Chinese GP Sprint build-up*
3am: CHINESE GP SPRINT*
4.30am: Ted's Sprint Notebook*
5.30am: F1 Academy Race 1*
6.30am: Chinese GP Qualifying build-up*
7am: CHINESE GP QUALIFYING*
9am: Ted's Qualifying Notebook*

Sunday March 15
2.35am: F1 Academy Race 2*
5.30am: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
7am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
9am: Chinese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
10am: Ted's Notebook*

*Also on Sky Sports Main Event

How to watch or stream the Chinese Grand Prix in the UK and Ireland

Got Sky?

TV: Sky Customers can watch on Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday morning to the Australian Grand Prix itself on Sunday, March 15 at 7am

App: Sky Customers can also watch on the Sky Sports app - with the option to go onboard with any driver!

Not got Sky?

Stream: Non Sky Customers can stream the action with a NOW Day or a cancel-anytime Month pass

Live blog: Anyone on the move can follow live coverage of the race weekend through our dedicated F1 blog

FREE Highlights: Watch F1 highlights shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app

How to watch the Australian GP with the Sky Sports app

Sky Sports Subscribers can:

1. Download or open the Sky Sports app
2. Head to the 'Watch' section at 5.30am for build-up, ahead of lights out at 7am on race day
3. Tap on the Sky Sports F1 or Sky Sports Main Event channel
4. Sign in with your Sky iD (*you'll only need to do this once)

*Sky iD help: How to find or create your Sky iD

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It's an app, so customers can sign up and stream instantly across over 60 devices. It offers contract-free membership options, so customers can cancel anytime!

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Formula 1 heads to Shanghai for the first Sprint weekend of the 2026 season at the Chinese Grand Prix from this Friday, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime

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