F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Shanghai International Circuit Track Guide

Chinese Grand Prix Location

Location: Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China

Shanghai International Circuit History in F1

First race: 2004

Years held: 2004-2019, 2024-present

Number of races: 18

Shanghai International Circuit - corner by corner

Turns 1/2 - A long, winding, tightening double right-hander to test car grip and driver patience.

Turns 3/4 - A double left-hander as the circuit opens up, traction is key here.

Turn 5 - A kink to the right before the track plunges downhill.

Turn 6 - An overtaking opportunity on the brakes for this tight right-hander, which winds back up hill on exit.

Turns 7/8 - A blind entry to this sweeping left-hander that is followed immediately by a tough mid-speed right-hander.

Turns 9/10 - Immediately on the brakes for this technical double left-hander at the end of the middle sector. Traction is key for a short straight that follows.

Turns 11/12 - More technical turns to get through here: a tight left-hander that leads into a right.

Turn 13 - A long, sweeping right on power that leads cars onto the long back straight. Traction is crucial to either attack or defend.

Turns 14/15 - The heaviest braking zone on the circuit and the best overtaking chance. An acute hairpin, with T15 unnoticed as a kink on the extension of the exit.

Turn 16 - Tougher than it first appears, a dab of the brakes before slinging the car to the left, being careful of spinning when on the exit kerb. That completes a lap.

Chinese Grand Prix - Shanghai International Circuit facts

Most wins by a driver

Lewis Hamilton - 6 wins

Fernando Alonso - 2 wins

Nico Rosberg - 2 wins

Most wins by a team

Mercedes - 6 wins

Ferrari - 4 wins

McLaren - 4 wins

Red Bull - 3 wins

Last 10 winners

2025 - Oscar Piastri, McLaren

2024 - Max Verstappen, Red Bull

2019 - Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

2018 - Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull

2017 - Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

2016 - Nico Rosberg, Mercedes

2015 - Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

2014 - Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

2013 - Fernando Alonso, Ferrari

2012 - Nico Rosberg, Mercedes

Chinese Grand Prix lap record

Incredibly, the fastest recorded lap in a race in China was set all the way back at the first race in 2004, where Michael Schumacher set a 1:32.238s for Ferrari, though it was teammate Rubens Barrichello who emerged with victory.

The outright fastest lap was set in qualifying in 2025 as McLaren's Oscar Piastri posted a 1:30.641s pole time.