F1 News
F1 LIVE | Follow FP1 for the Chinese Grand Prix
The second race weekend of the 2025 Formula 1 season is already upon us. The Shanghai International Circuit is the host for the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend, with on-track action getting underway with FP1. It's a sprint weekend, so this will be the only session the drivers have before being catapulted into competitive action in sprint qualifying later today.
Lando Norris triumphed last weekend at a wet and wild Australian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen finished just behind in second place, With Mercedes' George Russell joining the podium in third.
This weekend, no rain is expected and conditions will be very different to that of Melbourne. Therefore, we may see a better representation of the pecking order early on in the 2025 season.
It's another early start for European fans, and as it's a sprint weekend, there is a different format to contend with. Drivers will head onto the track for FP1 at 3:30 AM GMT before sprint qualifying begins at 07:30 GMT. The sprint race kicks off Saturday's running at 03:00 GMT before qualifying for the Grand Prix begins at 07:00 GMT. Like Saturday's final session, the Grand Prix also begins at 07:00 GMT.
Eight points down to one are awarded to the top 8 drivers in the sprint race. In a year which is set to be one of the closest in F1 history, every point will count as the season progresses.
Last season, a sprint also took place in China. Max Verstappen won both the sprint race and Grand Prix in 2024. Although Lando Norris secured a sprint pole, he slid off the slippery circuit at the first corner, conceding a few positions.
Unlike Australia, there is no F2 or F3 action this weekend. F1 Academy will be the sole support series this weekend.