What time is the Formula 1 2026 Chinese Grand Prix and how can I watch it?

The 2026 Formula 1 season continues this weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix – and here are the global start times for Sunday’s race.

After a season-opener in Australia that saw pre-race shocks, drama at the start and overtakes galore, F1 heads to Shanghai for Round 2 – and the first F1 Sprint of the year.

Head to the RACE HUB or scroll down for more on how and when you can watch the action, along with the global start times for each session.

What time is the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?

Free Practice 1 will kick off the weekend on Friday, March 13 at 1130 local time, with Sprint Qualifying following at 1530.

The F1 Sprint takes place at 1100 on Saturday, March 14, ahead of Qualifying at 1500 – before the Grand Prix itself gets underway at 1500 on Sunday, March 15.

Check out the images below to find all the global start times for Sunday’s race and Sasturday’s Sprint.

How can I watch the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?

You can enjoy coverage from every session live on F1 TV Pro, which brings fans closer to the action via exclusive features like onboard cameras on all 20 of the drivers’ cars, and access to both Pre-Race and Post-Race Shows.

F1 TV Pro can be streamed easily via Apple TV, Chromecast Generation 2 and above, Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. F1 TV Pro is free of ad breaks and available with commentary in six languages.

Fans can also watch via F1 TV Premium, a premier service that invites fans to step into the heart of the action with the ability to watch races in 4K Ultra HD/HDR on up to six different devices, as well as a personalised Multiview feature available on select devices with 26 different feeds to choose from.

Viewers can watch every F1 Grand Prix, F1 Sprint, Qualifying and practice session live in 4K Ultra HD/HDR at home, with F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY and Porsche Supercup sessions also available to watch live on the platform.

Alternatively, live timing will be available on F1.com and the F1 app across every session during the Grand Prix weekend.

Where is the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix taking place?

The Chinese Grand Prix will be held at Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, a venue that has hosted the event since 2004.

Shanghai itself has expanded into one of the world’s most dynamic and lively cities since the start of the millennium, making it an awesome F1 tourist stop.

The track has a unique start to the lap, as the drivers fly into the ever-tightening Turns 1 and 2 before they dart left through 3 and 4. The super-high g force Turns 7 and 8 are loved by the drivers, while the circuit also features one of the longest straights on the calendar, the 1.2km stretch that separates Turns 13-14.

What is the weather forecast in Shanghai?

Saturday is expected to be favourable with no precipitation. Daytime temperatures will reach up to 17 degrees Celsius. Track temperatures could rise to 33 degrees Celsius, ensuring good racing conditions under mainly clear skies.

Similar conditions are forecast for Sunday, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day and track temperatures reaching around 25 degrees Celsius. Winds will remain light to moderate, with no precipitation anticipated.

When can I watch F1 ACADEMY during the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix weekend?

F1 ACADEMY kicks off another season on the Formula 1 calendar during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

Free Practice and Qualifying are set to take place on Friday, 13 March at 0910 and 1405 local time respectively. Race 1 is scheduled for 1345 on Saturday, 14 March, followed by Race 2 to conclude the series’ action at 1040 on Sunday, 15 March.