| Date | March 21st-23th |
|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 5.471 km |
| Laps | 56 |
| Lap Record | 1:32.238 – Michael Schumacher (2004) |
| Previous Winner | Max Verstappen – Red Bull (2024) |
History of the F1 China GP
In April 2003, construction began on the Shanghai International Circuit, transforming marshland in Shanghai’s Jiading District into a premier racing venue.
The project, completed in 18 months at a cost of approximately $450 million, resulted in a state-of-the-art facility designed to host Formula 1 events.
The circuit made its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 2004, marking China’s inaugural Grand Prix. That year, the championship expanded to include two new races: the Chinese Grand Prix and the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Despite the introduction of these new circuits, Ferrari maintained its dominance in the sport. Michael Schumacher secured victory in Bahrain, while his Ferrari teammate, Rubens Barrichello, clinched the win in China.
The Shanghai International Circuit has since become a staple in the Formula 1 calendar, challenging drivers with its unique layout and contributing to the global expansion of the sport.
Circuit Specifications
- Corners: 16
- DRS Zones: 2
- Pit Stop Strategies: F1 teams usually follow a two-stop strategy, balancing tire performance and degradation over the 56-lap race.
- Most Used Tires: The C2 (hard), C3 (medium), and C4 (soft) compounds are commonly used. Long, demanding corners like Turns 1 and 13 place significant stress on left-side tires, requiring careful management.
The Shanghai International Circuit’s design is a masterpiece both from above and on the ground. Shaped to resemble the Chinese character ‘shang’, meaning “upwards,” it symbolizes progress and elegance.
On the track, Formula 1 drivers face a unique and challenging layout, starting with the sweeping Turns 1 and 2, which tighten progressively and test precision. The average speed is approximately 215 km/h (134 mph).
The flow continues with Turns 3 and 4, requiring quick changes in direction, while Turns 7 and 8 deliver intense G-forces that drivers enjoy for their high-speed demands.
Adding to the circuit’s appeal is the 1.2 km back straight – one of the longest in Formula 1 – leading into a heavy braking zone at Turn 14, creating prime opportunities for overtaking and thrilling battles.
The combination of these technical sections and high-speed straights makes Shanghai a favorite for both drivers and fans, offering a dynamic and exciting challenge throughout the race.
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China GP FAQs
- Who has won the most Chinese Grand Prix races?
Lewis Hamilton holds the record with 5 wins.
- What is the average speed of the circuit?
The average speed at the Shanghai International Circuit is approximately 215 km/h. - What team has the most wins?
Ferrari holds the record for the most wins at the Chinese Grand Prix, with 9 victories.