The second round of the 2025 F1 season takes us to the Shanghai International Circuit for the Chinese Grand Prix. F1 Academy will also open its anticipated 2025 season here.
From the 21st to 23rd of March
The Chinese Grand Prix has played an important role in F1’s expansion into Asia, delivering thrilling races and memorable moments since its inaugural event in 2004.
R A C E 🇨🇳 W E E K (again!)
Next stop, Shanghai 🤩#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/SJxG1pFSrx
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 17, 2025
The Schedule
| Date | Session | Time* |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Mar | Practice 1 | 11:30 – 12:30 |
| 21 Mar | Sprint Qualifying | 15:30 – 16:14 |
| 22 Mar | Sprint | 11:00 – 12:00 |
| 22 Mar | Qualifying | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| 23 Mar | Race | 15:00 |
*Track Time
Origins and Early Ambitions
China’s ambition to host an F1 race dates back to the early 1990s.
The government initially planned to stage a Grand Prix at the Zhuhai International Circuit, which opened in 1996.
The venue was provisionally included on the 1999 F1 calendar. However, it failed to meet the FIA’s standards. This led to its cancellation.
Determined to bring F1 to the country, China decided on a more ambitious project. The focus was on Shanghai.
Plans were drawn up for a new world-class circuit in Shanghai, and in April 2003, work began on transforming a marshland in the Jiading District into a state-of-the-art racing facility.
After eighteen months of construction and a reported $450 million investment, the Shanghai International Circuit was completed, ready to host its first Grand Prix in 2004.
The First Race and Early Years
The inaugural F1 Chinese Grand Prix took place on 26 September 2004.
It was one of two new additions to the F1 calendar that season, alongside Bahrain, marking a significant moment in the sport’s global expansion.
Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello claimed victory in the race, which became a driver and fan favourite thanks to its challenging layout and unique design.
The following year, the Shanghai race gained further prestige by hosting the final round of the 2005 season.
Fernando Alonso, having already secured his maiden world championship title, became victorious and helped Renault claim the Constructors’ Championship.
In 2006, Michael Schumacher secured his final F1 victory in Shanghai, demonstrating his mastery of changing conditions.
The race continued to grow, featuring key moments such as Lewis Hamilton’s title hopes weakening in the pit lane gravel trap in 2007 and Sebastian Vettel’s wet-weather victory for Red Bull in 2009.
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Contract Uncertainty and Financial Challenges
Despite its popularity, the Chinese Grand Prix faced financial difficulties.
In 2008, Qiu Weichang, a senior race official, suggested that the event’s future was under review due to ongoing financial losses.
Uncertainty followed over the race’s long-term viability, with the initial seven-year contract expiring in 2010.
Although Bernie Ecclestone reassured fans that the event would continue, negotiations between F1 Management and race organisers took until February 2011 to finalise a renewed agreement. This reportedly involved a reduced hosting fee.
A new contract secured the Grand Prix’s place on the calendar until 2017, with another three-year extension signed in 2017 to keep the race running through 2020.
By 2019, the Chinese Grand Prix had achieved a historic milestone, hosting F1’s 1000th World Championship race.
COVID-19 Disruptions and the Event’s Return
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted F1 and the Chinese Grand Prix.
The 2020 race, initially scheduled for 19 April, was postponed and later cancelled as the pandemic’s severity increased.
Organisers announced races in 2021, 2022, and 2023, but each was scrapped due to ongoing travel restrictions and logistical concerns.
After a four-year absence, F1 finally returned to China in 2024, reintroducing a well-liked stop on the calendar.
In December 2024, it was announced that F1 will return to Shanghai until 2030 at the latest.
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F1 Academy Opens
F1 Academy’s 2025 season begins in Shanghai, supporting the F1 weekend.
WE ARE SO BACK. 🔥 #F1Academy #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/WLc4FHIZXw
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) March 17, 2025
This is a first for China and highlights its commitment to increasing the circuit’s visibility worldwide.
Key Data
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First Grand Prix | 2004 |
| Number of Laps | 56 |
| Circuit Length | 5.451 km |
| Race Distance | 305.066 km |
| Lap Record | 1:32.238 – Michael Schumacher (2004) |
The Chinese Grand Prix remains a key part of the F1, offering a challenging circuit and an incredible atmosphere for drivers and spectators alike.
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Main Photo
IMAGO / HochZwei
Recording Date: 21.04.2024
