Welcome to Round 2: The Chinese Grand Prix 2025
From a chaotic venture in Melbourne, Formula 1 travels North across the Philippine Sea to Shanghai to host the Chinese Grand Prix.
From the traditional format comes a new form of preparation as Formula 1 begins the first Sprint Weekend of the season.
Located 40 kilometres from the capital is the Shanghai Audi International Circuit, Formula 1's second visit since its four-year absence due to the emergence of the Coronavirus outbreak.
But the silence of 2020 will soon be shattered by the roar of the V6 hybrid engines in 2025. So, get strapped in, this is not science fiction... This is Formula 1.
Welcome Back to the Shanghai Audi International Circuit
Returning to China creates eagerness and anticipation left behind from the events of the Australian Grand Prix and for the second time will play host to the first round of six of the Sprint Race format.
Formula 1 arrived at the municipality of Shanghai dating back to 2004, featuring as the 16th round of 18 on the calendar.
A year dominated by Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, with Ferrari wingman Rubens Barrichello winning the inaugural race in China, winning the race by only a second ahead of BAR Honda driver and rookie Jenson Button.
Since then, the track has dominated not by the scarlet red team of Ferrari, but by the Silver Arrows of Mercedes-Benz, winning six races (2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019).
The most successful? Well, that accolade belongs to the former Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, winning six times (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019).
So, can Mercedes add another win to the tally? Can Lewis Hamilton add another to his tally, now driving for Ferrari? Or will the ice be shattered by another team or driver in 2025?
Track Layout
The 5.451-kilometre circuit comes with overtaking opportunities while also combining precision and technical high-speed corners.
Consisting of 56 laps, the Shanghai Audi International Circuit features 16 turns, seven to the left and nine to the right.
While the circuit doesn't feature as many DRS Zones as Australia, overtaking is possible with help from the 1.2-kilometre straight from Turn 13 to 14, which is where the first DRS zone of two is situated.
The final DRS Zone comes two turns later as the drivers race down the Start/Finish line heading up to Turn 1.
Most Memorable Moments of the Chinese Grand Prix
When you think of the Chinese Grand Prix? What memory comes to mind?
Michael Schumacher's final victory in his Formula 1 career? In 2006, the seven-time world champion achieved his 91st career victory against Renault's Fernando Alonso. Denying the Ferrari driver another title and achieving the second driver's championship of his career.
"He goes straight into the gravel trap!" Lewis Hamilton beaching his McLaren attempting to pit in 2007? A crucial error by the young Brit hurt his title aspirations as championship rival, Kimi Räikkönen secured the victory.
Sebastian Vettel's Masterclass performance in the torrential rain in 2009, finishing 10 seconds in front of his teammate Mark Webber and 44 seconds ahead of Brawn GP driver, Jenson Button.
Speaking of Jenson Button, what about 2010? In the ever-changing weather conditions, the British driver kept a cool head, overtaking Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg to take his second win of the season with McLaren.
Or do you reminisce about 2010 when Sebastian Buemi's wheels failed? Tyres and Suspension pieces fell off his car, sliding into the barriers at the end of Turn 14.
What about a charge from the Raging Bull of Daniel Ricciardo in 2018? After the safety car was called in for the race to resume, Ricciardo decided to ‘lick the stamp and send it,’ charging past the likes of the Mercedes and Ferrari drivers to a well-earned race victory.
The Shanghai Audi International features a vast array of highlights even including its well-waited return in 2024 with Lance Stroll ambitious on the brakes colliding into the back of Daniel Ricciardo.
But the question remains, what is your favourite moment?
Live Timings - British Standard Time
Friday (21st March)
3:00 am - Chinese Grand Prix Practice One - (Session begins at 3:30 am)
6:30 am - Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying - (Session begins at 7:30 am)
Saturday (22nd March)
2:00 am - Chinese Grand Prix Sprint - (Session begins at 3:00 am)
6:00 am - Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying - (Session begins at 7:00 am)
Sunday (23rd March)
5:30 am - Chinese Grand Prix (Session begins at 7:00 am)