2026 F1 Chinese GP schedule India timings – Introduction

After the 2026 season-opening Australian GP, F1 now heads to Shanghai for the Chinese GP this weekend (March 13-15). This will also be the very first sprint round of the season, giving teams even less time to perfect their set-up before racing action gets underway. 

Here is your complete guide on when and where to tune in from India:

F1 Chinese GP schedule

Mercedes started the season as one of the favourites and the team delivered on that early promise with a strong one-two finish in Australia. But the Shanghai International Circuit offers a very different layout, with heavy braking zones that offer recharge opportunities. So, we could see a different pecking order in China.

While teams are still trying to get to grips with the new rules, the Chinese GP will add another challenge. Since this is a Sprint weekend, instead of the regular three hours of practice, teams will have just one hour on Friday. After this, car set-ups will be locked in for Sprint qualifying and the Sprint race. After this, teams will be allowed to make further changes before the set-ups are locked in once again for the main qualifying and race. This adds another layer of unpredictability and opens the door for some surprise results.

Eagle eyed fans will also be able to spot Ferrari’s radical rotating rear wing this weekend. The innovation grabbed plenty of attention during pre-season testing, and Ferrari has confirmed that it will be running this in FP1.

F1 Chinese GP: Where to watch?

All F1 Chinese GP sessions will be streamed live in India on FanCode and the F1 TV app.