Chinese Grand Prix Returns to F1 Calendar: What to Expect

The Chinese Grand Prix is set to make a return to the Formula 1 calendar after a four-year absence, with the race scheduled to take place at the Shanghai International Circuit from 19-21 April. This marks the fifth race of the season and the first sprint weekend of the year.

In the previous race at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing secured his third victory in four races this season, leading his teammate Sergio Perez to a Red Bull one-two finish. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari managed to pass his teammate Charles Leclerc late in the race to secure the final podium place.

The return of the Chinese Grand Prix comes after it was cancelled last year due to the uncertainty surrounding the Covid situation in the country. The race has been grouped with Australia and Japan as part of F1’s efforts to become more sustainable, aiming to achieve carbon net-zero status by 2030.

Fans can follow all the action of the Chinese Grand Prix on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app. Additionally, there are podcasts available on BBC Sounds that provide previews and reviews of every race, as well as behind-the-scenes insights at Mercedes and Williams.

The sprint format for the Chinese Grand Prix will see qualifying for the shorter sprint race held on Friday, with the 100km sprint taking place on Saturday before the main qualifying session for the grand prix later in the day. Sunday’s race will remain unchanged. This format will also be used in five other sprint weekends throughout the season in Miami, Austria, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar.