F1 2026 Chinese GP: Schedule, TV Coverage, and Sprint Weekend Details

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F1 2026 Chinese GP Schedule: Race Start Time, Sprint Details, and TV Coverage

Formula 1's new era advances to the Shanghai International Circuit for the inaugural sprint weekend of the 2026 season. Following a dominant performance at the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes leads the charge with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli securing a one-two finish, setting the stage for an exciting round in China.

Race Weekend Overview

The Chinese Grand Prix marks the second race of the 2026 Formula 1 season, introducing the first sprint format weekend. Mercedes made a powerful statement in Melbourne, with title favourite George Russell claiming victory ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium, positioning the Scuderia as Mercedes's closest challengers.

Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, finished fourth and continues to pursue his first podium finish for the team. Last year in China, Hamilton won the sprint race but faced a double disqualification in the main event. Max Verstappen has expressed dissatisfaction with the new 2026 regulations, particularly the energy management aspects, and has not ruled out leaving the sport.

Defending champion Lando Norris placed fifth for McLaren, which appeared slower compared to Mercedes. Oscar Piastri aims to recover after a pre-race crash at his home event in Australia.

Chinese Grand Prix Schedule (All Times GMT)

Friday 13 March: Free practice 1 at 3:30am, Sprint qualifying at 7:30am
Saturday 14 March: Sprint race at 3am, Qualifying at 7am
Sunday 15 March: Race at 7am

How to Watch Online and on TV

In the United Kingdom, the Chinese Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Coverage for Sunday's race begins at 5:30am GMT. Sky Sports subscribers can access all action from Shanghai via the Sky Go app. For non-subscribers, a NOWTV Day Pass offers a subscription-free viewing option.

If travelling abroad, a VPN may be necessary to unblock streaming apps. Consult VPN roundups for assistance.

Driver Standings Ahead of Chinese GP

George Russell (Mercedes) - 25 points
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 18 points
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 15 points
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 12 points
Lando Norris (McLaren) - 10 points
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 8 points
Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 6 points
Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2 points
Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 1 point

Additional drivers include Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, Liam Lawson, Franco Colapinto, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez, Isack Hadjar, Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso, and Valtteri Bottas, all with 0 points.