Lewis Hamilton will start on pole position in a Ferrari for the first Sprint race of the 2025 season in China.
Following a thrilling season-opener in Melbourne, F1 has arrived in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix and the first of six Sprint weekends this year.
Against expectations after a debut with Ferrari, Hamilton topped Sprint Qualifying to lead the grid from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in the McLaren.
Lando Norris starts sixth in the other McLaren after a mistake on his final lap.
The Sprint is a 19-lap race around the Shanghai International Circuit, with points awarded to the top-eight finishers. The race starts early on Saturday morning.
Qualifying to set the grid for Sunday’s main Grand Prix follows on Saturday morning.
The 56-lap Grand Prix itself is on Sunday morning.
F1 Academy also begins its new season in Shanghai, so there will be racing this week.
Chinese GP Track – Shanghai International Circuit
China joined the F1 calendar in 2004 and every race has been held at the Shanghai International Circuit, known for high tyre wear and a long back straight for overtaking into the Turn 14 hairpin.
F1 returned to Shanghai for the first time in five years in 2024, after absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. There is limited recent data for the teams compared to other tracks.
The smooth track surface and long, high-speed corners mean the car with the best aerodynamics will perform well.
Chinese GP Weather in Shanghai
The weather forecast for Shanghai indicates no rain for any of the F1 or F1 Academy sessions across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
It is expected to be sunny all weekend with an air temperature of 23C at its peak during the afternoon and light wind.
Chinese GP 2025 Schedule
Saturday, March 22
- Sprint Race
- F1 Academy Race 1
- Chinese GP Qualifying
Sunday, March 23
- F1 Academy Race 2
- The Chinese Grand Prix
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham