SHANGHAI — Prepare for the excitement of the Chinese Grand Prix, the second race of the 2025 Formula 1 series. Here’s all you need to know for the upcoming event.
**Watch the Chinese Grand Prix Live**
For viewers in the U.S., tune into ESPN for live coverage. Broadcast details for other countries are also available for F1 fans globally.
**Chinese Grand Prix Schedule**
The race weekend kicks off on Saturday with a sprint race and qualifying round leading up to Sunday’s Grand Prix.
**Venue of the Chinese Grand Prix**
The Grand Prix takes place at the Shanghai International Circuit, a 5.45-kilometer (3.39-mile) purpose-built track. First hosting F1 in 2004, the circuit’s layout is inspired by the Chinese character “shang,” reflective of the city’s name. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen secure victory ahead of Lando Norris. This iconic track, absent from the F1 calendar between 2020 and 2023 due to the pandemic, presents fresh challenges this season.
**Recap of the Previous Race Weekend**
Lando Norris claimed victory at the Australian Grand Prix for McLaren, overcoming challenging wet conditions and a strong finish by second-place Max Verstappen. George Russell took third for Mercedes. In a dramatic turn, Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, spun off but recovered to finish ninth, overtaking Lewis Hamilton in a tough debut for Ferrari, leaving him in 10th.
**F1 Insights and Developments**
Catch up on recent headlines: Lewis Hamilton now holds the sprint pole position in China after a less than stellar debut for Ferrari. He expresses a desire for a faster Ferrari to truly challenge McLaren’s pace. Meanwhile, McLaren’s dominant performance signals tough competition ahead. Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari has made waves beyond the track, resonating culturally. F1 also welcomes a new era with a significant batch of fresh talent.
**Key Facts About the Shanghai Circuit**
Only three active drivers have conquered China: Max Verstappen last year, and Lewis Hamilton with six victories for McLaren and Mercedes, between 2008 and 2019. Fernando Alonso also shares the accolade, once for Renault in 2005 and again for Ferrari in 2013. Additionally, Verstappen maintained his leader streak over 63 consecutive races until Norris took the forefront after Australia. The young Andrea Kimi Antonelli made history, becoming the second-youngest driver to earn points in his F1 debut race this season.
**Highlights from Sprint Qualifying and Practice**
In an unexpected turn during Friday’s sprint qualifying, Lewis Hamilton clinched pole position as Lando Norris stumbled in his final lap, placing sixth. Max Verstappen qualified second while Oscar Piastri took third, showcasing McLaren’s current speed advantage. Norris, despite his qualifying setback, showed unmatched pace during Friday’s practice session.
**Post-Qualifying Reactions**
“I’m quite astonished, honestly, and a bit taken aback,” admitted Hamilton following his pole success. Verstappen remarked, “The McLarens seemed fast, so it’ll be challenging to fend them off during the sprint, but it should be fun.” Norris acknowledged their ongoing struggles, which were more evident throughout the race weekend.