Chinese Grand Prix Preview: Mercedes look to continue dominant form in Shanghai
12th March 2026Formula One returns for round two of the 2026 season in Shanghai, ahead of the first sprint weekend of the new regulations.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
Following a strong start to the campaign in Melbourne, Mercedes will be hoping to cement their place as the team to beat in China. George Russell led out a 1-2 for the German team, and the hotly tipped title contender will be looking to lead the way for the silver arrows once more.
Following a close early race battle at the front of the field in Melbourne, Ferrari looks set to be the team to challenge Mercedes this weekend. The Scuderia raised eyebrows in pre-season testing with their innovative active-aero designs, and with confirmation that their ‘upside-down’ rear wing is set to hit the track in China, there may be added hope for fans of the Italian team.
This weekend’s sprint format may also cause some upsets to the order across the grid, as teams will only have one free practice session to understand their cars ahead of sprint qualifying. With teams across the grid struggling to get to grips with their new designs following the 2026 regulation overhaul, opportunities could be present for weaker teams to pick up unexpected points. The reliability of these new cars could also create unexpected grids, with five DNFs at last weekend’s Grand Prix.
Shanghai’s track layout is set to offer a new challenge for F1’s energy-reliant engines, with heavy braking zones allowing for maximised energy recovery.
Despite the long straights at the circuit, it is expected that the latest hybrid engines will be able to perform better than in Australia. Shanghai falls into one of 12 tracks on this year’s calendar where the maximum battery recharge of 9MJ is permitted, hoping to provide more overtaking opportunities and better racing.
Debuting in 2004, the 5.451km track returned to the F1 calendar in 2024 following a brief hiatus from 2020-2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2025 saw a McLaren 1-2 at the circuit, with Oscar Piastri securing his first win of the season ahead of eventual world champion Lando Norris. Whilst the papaya side come into this weekend far behind their form of previous years, George Russell, who finished third that day, will be hoping to secure his first victory in China.
The track is expected to remain dry throughout the weekend, although temperatures will be much lower than those seen in Australia. Teams will be expecting lows of around 5°C and highs of around 19°C by Sunday, with track temperatures ranging from 33-35°C.
The Chinese Grand Prix gets underway this Friday, with first practice at 3:30*, before sprint qualifying at 7:30*. Saturday’s sprint race begins at 3:00*, before qualifying at 7:00. Finally, Sunday sees lights out at 7:00for the second race of the 2026 season.
Read more Formula 1 here:
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- Antonelli admits to ‘stressful’ start after Mercedes one-two at Australian GP
- Why Sergio Perez avoided punishment at Australian Grand Prix
- Australian Grand Prix: 3 Winners & Losers
- George Russell heads Mercedes 1-2 at Australian Grand Prix
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