2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix – Friday's schedule

After a turbulent season opener in Australia, the Formula 1 travels to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix. The 2025 edition was won by Oscar piastri and marked by the triple disqualification of the two Classic Ferrari for sale and Alpine de Pierre Gasly.

Winner in Melbourne, George Russell approaches this second event with confidence at the wheel of a Mercedes Benz very competitive. Behind them, Ferrari could play spoiler: Charles Leclerc et Lewis Hamilton showed a promising pace during the opening round.

Hamilton, record holder for wins (6) and poles (6) in Shanghai, is still aiming for his first victory with Ferrari. McLaren et Red Bull will also try to get involved in the fight, while several young drivers will be looking to confirm their good start to the season.

The weekend will also mark the return of the F1 Academy, with French drivers Lisa Billard and Jade Jacquet on the grid.

ALSO READ > Fernando Alonso realistic in Shanghai: "I don't believe the situation was this dramatic ten years ago."

📊 The Shanghai International Circuit (China) in figures

• First Grand Prix: 2004
• Number of turns: 56
• Length: 5,451 km
• Race distance: 305,066 km
• Turns: 16
• Overtake mode activation zones: 2
• Straight line mode zones (DRS replacement): 4
• Lap record: 1:32.238 (Michael Schumacher – Ferrari – 2004)

🕒 Schedule and TV channels for the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai

(Paris time)

Formula 1
Friday 13 March
4h15 - Free Practice 1 (Canal + Sport)
8h15 - Sprint Qualifications (Canal + Sport)

F1 Academy
Friday 13 March
2h10 - Free Trials 1
7h05 - Qualifications (YouTube)

ALSO READ > The complete F1 Academy grid for the 2026 season

🏆 The Formula 1 World Championship standings before the Chinese Grand Prix

F1 2026 Ranking – Drivers

1) George Russell – 25 points
2) Kimi Antonelli – 18 points
3) Charles Leclerc – 15 points
4) Lewis Hamilton – 12 points
5) Lando Norris - 10 points
6) Max Verstappen - 8 points
7) Oliver Bearman – 6 points
8) Arvid Lindblad – 4 points
9) Gabriel Bortoleto – 2 points
10) Pierre Gasly – 1 point
11) Esteban Ocon – 0 points
12) Alexander albon – 0 points
13) Liam Lawson – 0 points
14) Franco Colapinto – 0 points
15) Carlos Sainz – 0 points
16) Sergio Pérez – 0 points
17) Isack Hadjar – 0 points
18) Oscar piastri – 0 points
19) Nico Hulkenberg – 0 points
20) Fernando Alonso – 0 points
21) Valtteri Bottas – 0 points
22) Lance stroll – 0 points

F1 2026 Ranking – Manufacturers

1) Mercedes – 43 points
2) Ferrari – 27 points
3) McLaren - 10 points
4) Red Bull Racing – 8 points
5) Haas - 6 points
6) Racing Bulls – 4 points
7) Audi – 2 points
8) Alpine – 1 points
9) Williams – 0 points
10) Cadillac – 0 points
11) Aston Martin – 0 points