What time is the Chinese Grand Prix? Race weekend schedule and where to watch F1 action

Mar 10, 2026 - 13:30

The 2026 Formula 1 season continues at the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend after a dramatic season-opener in Australia.

George Russell kicked things off with a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, finishing ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli to secure a Mercedes one-two.

Mercedes' British driver George Russell celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne — George Russell finished ahead of Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli to win the Australian Grand Prix

It proved a breathless start to the campaign, as changes to the grid ahead of the season meant teams were still getting to grips with F1’s new cars and engines.

Mercedes adapted best to the new 2026 F1 engine in Australia, while Ferrari also impressed, with Charles Leclerc clinching third place.

It was a less than ideal start for world champion Lando Norris, as he ended up in fifth, while teammate Oscar Piastri failed to start the grand prix after he crashed on his way to the grid.

But a completely different test lies ahead this weekend, as the drivers get ready to take to the Shanghai International Circuit.

As well as the Grand Prix, China will host the first of six Sprint events this season, with last year’s edition seeing Lewis Hamilton claim his first-ever victory over 100km.

What time does the Chinese Prix start in the UK?

The race weekend for round two of the 2026 F1 season will begin on Friday, March 13, with race day on Sunday, March 15.

Practice One gets things underway at 3:30am UK time on Friday, before Sprint qualifying is scheduled to start at 7:30am.

The Sprint Race then takes place at 3am on Saturday ahead of qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix which starts at 7am.

Light’s Out for the Chinese GP is at 7am UK time on Sunday.

Chinese Grand Prix: Full schedule

All times UK

Friday, March 13

Practice One – 3:30am
Sprint Qualifying: 7:30am

Saturday, March 14

Sprint – 3am
Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying – 7am

Sunday, March 15

Chinese Grand Prix – 7am

The entire race weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with build-up to the race starting at 5:30am.

Fans can also catch highlights of the race on Channel 4 at 9pm on Sunday night.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will also be across all the latest build-up, news and reaction from Shanghai.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Chinese Grand Prix: What has been said?

After his Australian Grand Prix victory, George Russell was in a buoyant mood in his post-race interview.

The Brit reflected: “Mega happy.

“It was kind of a race we were expecting—chaotic start, difficult to match the battery—yoyoing a bit with the overtakes. The closing speeds are so big with these new cars, but it was mega.

“I was looking at my mirrors at [Isack] Hadjar [at the start], and I had him [Charles Leclerc] covered, but then he came out of nowhere.

“A good race. Today was more aligned with what we thought. We maybe had a tenth or two advantage but not the seven tenths of yesterday.”