After 4 years, Formula 1 returns to the Shanghai Audi International Circuit, to host the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix. Overcoming the global pandemic, Formula 1 returns to the Jiading District facing a fresh challenge for the teams and drivers alike.
And for the first time in the Formula 1 2024 season, The Shanghai Grand Prix will play host to the first Sprint Weekend of the season.
Overview of the Shanghai Audi International Circuit
This circuit was built in 2003 to bring Formula 1 to China. A market that is experiencing rapid growth and may become an even bigger market in the future. Designed by Hermann Tilke, who is regarded as one of the most renowned names in the modern Formula 1 world, the circuit includes elements which are indicative of his signature style. It was in 2004 that the country hosted its first Formula 1 race. Marking the beginning of what has become an important event for both the sport and the country.
Track Layout
Comprised of 56 laps, this clockwise circuit stretches over 5.451 kilometres each lap with a total of 305 kilometres of high-speed adrenaline. The track features an array of technical challenges including two DRS zones. The first is down the long back straight and down the start-finish straight. The list below adds to the blend of opportunities and challenges:
6 High speed stretches
5 Slow turns: Turn 2, Turn 3, Turn 6, Turn 11 and Turn 14
3 Spots for overtaking: Turn 1, Turn 6 and Turn 14 (Turn 1 and 14 with the help of DRS)
Iconic Features
This remarkable design of the Shanghai International Circuit is known for being reminiscent of the Chinese character for the ‘shang’ (上), in the Chinese language, which refers to ‘above’ or ‘ascend’. This unique design fuses Chinese culture directly into the design of the circuit.
The track consists of high-speed straights and tight, technical corners, so formulating a delicate balance in the set-up of the car is critical if teams want to achieve optimal performance throughout the race.
This circuit is one of the most exciting in Formula 1, especially with its 1.2-kilometer-long back straight. One of the longest in the sport, ending in a tight hairpin, which is a key overtaking point on the track.
Memorable Races around the Shanghai Audi International Circuit
In the past few years, the Shanghai International Circuit has been hosting several significant races that have dominated the F1 calendar.
In the 2007 Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen won en route to his World Championship, and Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of winning his first championship were famously shattered when he slid into a gravel trap in the pit lane. Thereby putting an end to his title hopes. Another highlight would be the cutthroat performance in the 2018 Chinese Grand Prix. As Daniel Ricciardo threw caution to the wind and managed to secure a victory from sixth on the grid.
New Sprint Format
In 2023, Formula 1 introduced a new element called the “Sprint Shootout.” Traditionally, the grid for Sunday’s race was determined by a sprint race on Saturday, which itself followed a qualifying session on Friday. This format included two practice sessions, held on Friday and Saturday. However, last year saw a change where Friday’s qualifying determined the starting grid for the main Grand Prix. The sprint race on Saturday had a separate qualifying session that same day. The Sprint Shootout took the place of the Saturday practice session and mirrored the standard qualifying format, albeit with reduced duration.
Further modifications are in place for the 2024 season. The Sprint Shootout, now “Sprint Qualifying”, concludes the Friday, following the initial practice session to begin the weekend. On Saturday the Sprint race is the first session with the traditional qualifying session going later in the day. With the full race distance keeping to its roots on the Sunday.
Live Timings
F1 Schedule & Times
Friday (19th April)
4:00 am – Chinese Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 4:30 am)
7:30 am – Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Shootout – (Session begins at 8:30 am)
Saturday (20th April)
3:00 am – Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race – (Session begins at 4:00 am)
7:45 am – Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 8:00 am)
Sunday (21st April)
6:30 am – Chinese Grand Prix – (Session begins at 8:00 am)
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Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
