Lewis Hamilton will start in pole position for Ferrari in the first Sprint race of the 2025 season in China. The race is scheduled for Saturday morning at 3am.
Following an exciting season opener in Melbourne, Formula 1 is now in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, the first of six Sprint weekends this year.
Against expectations after a challenging start with Ferrari, Hamilton impressively secured pole position in Sprint Qualifying on Friday. He will lead the grid ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri of McLaren.
Lando Norris, currently leading the world championship, will start sixth for McLaren after a mistake on his final qualifying lap.
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Ride onboard with Lewis Hamilton as he took a sensational pole for the Sprint Qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Saturday’s Sprint race is a 19-lap event at the Shanghai International Circuit, with points awarded to the top eight finishers. The 100km race begins at 3am, with pre-race coverage starting from 2.25am.
Qualifying for Sunday’s main Grand Prix will take place on Saturday morning at 7am.
The 56-lap Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday at 7am, with pre-race build-up from 5.30am.
F1 Academy also starts its season in Shanghai, making it a week full of racing action.
Chinese GP Track – Shanghai International Circuit
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The moment Sebastien Buemi had both his front tyres explode off his Toro Rosso car during practice at the 2010 Chinese Grand Prix
China joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2004, with all races held at the Shanghai International Circuit. This track is known for its high tyre wear and a long back straight that facilitates overtaking into the Turn 14 hairpin.
Formula 1 returned to Shanghai in 2024 for the first time in five years, after the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. This means teams have less recent data on this track compared to others on the schedule.
The track’s smooth surface and fast corners mean that cars with superior aerodynamics will perform well.
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Karun Chandhok takes a look at the unique track of Shanghai International Circuit
Chinese GP Weather in Shanghai
The weather forecast for Shanghai indicates no rain during the F1 and F1 Academy events from Friday to Sunday.
The weekend is expected to be sunny with a peak air temperature of 23C in the afternoon and light winds.
Chinese GP 2025 Schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place around the Shanghai International Circuit
Saturday, March 22
- 2.25am: Chinese GP Sprint build-up*
- 3am: Chinese GP Sprint*
- 5.45am: F1 Academy Race 1*
- 6.35am: Chinese GP Qualifying build-up*
- 7am: CHINESE GP QUALIFYING*
- 9am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday, March 23
- 2.40am: 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 Main Event
How to Watch the Chinese Grand Prix
Got Sky?
TV: Watch coverage from the practice session on Friday morning to the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, March 23 at 7am.
App: Watch via the Sky Sports app – with driver onboard options!
Not got Sky?
Stream: Stream the action with a NOW Day or Month pass.
Live blog: Follow live updates throughout the race weekend via our dedicated F1 blog.
FREE Highlights: Watch F1 highlights shortly after the race on the Sky Sports app.
How to Watch on Mobile
Sky Sports Subscribers can:
- Download or open the Sky Sports app
- Go to the ‘Watch’ section at 5.30am for pre-race coverage, before the 7am start
- Select the Sky Sports F1 or Main Event channel
- Log in with your Sky iD (one-time login)
*Sky iD help: How to find or create your Sky iD
What is NOW TV?
NOW is a streaming service offering access to sports channels and more.
It’s an app, compatible with over 60 devices. It offers flexible, contract-free membership options.
Choose between a Month or Day Membership. See the latest NOW TV membership prices.
More information about NOW is available here.
The F1 season continues in Shanghai for the first Sprint weekend at the Chinese GP.
