Shanghai International Circuit

Track Info

Location	Shanghai, China
Type	Permanent Road Course
Length	5.451 km (3.387 miles)
Turns	16
Capacity	~200,000
Opened	2004

Track Characteristics

The Shanghai International Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and features one of the most distinctive layouts in Formula 1. The track's shape is inspired by the Chinese character "shang" (meaning "above" or "ascend"), and the design delivers a challenging mix of high-speed straights, technical corners, and heavy braking zones. The 1.175 km back straight is one of the longest on the calendar, creating excellent slipstreaming and DRS overtaking opportunities.

The signature sequence is Turns 1 through 4, a long tightening right-hander that spirals inward like a snail shell. This corner punishes tyre wear and rewards drivers who can manage their rubber through the extended turning phase. The hairpin at Turn 6 is a key overtaking point, while the high-speed esses of Turns 7 and 8 demand commitment and precision.

Shanghai's weather can be unpredictable, with rain a regular factor in April. The combination of the long straight, punishing tyre wear, and potential for wet conditions has produced some of the most dramatic races in recent memory. The massive grandstands and modern facilities reflect the ambition of the venue.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), about 60 km from the circuit. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is closer at roughly 30 km.
Nearest City	Shanghai (the circuit is in the Jiading District, about 30 km northwest of the city center)

2026 Event Info

Race Name	Chinese Grand Prix
Round	2 of 22
Sprint Weekend	Yes
TV	Apple TV

Track Record

Lap Record	1:32.238
Record Holder	Michael Schumacher (Ferrari, 2004)

Notable Past Races

• 2024: The Chinese Grand Prix returned to the calendar after a five-year absence due to COVID-19. The race marked a homecoming for Zhou Guanyu, who became the first Chinese driver to race in F1 at his home event.
• 2019: Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes 1-2 with Valtteri Bottas in the 1,000th Formula 1 World Championship race, a landmark moment held fittingly at one of the sport's modern venues.
• 2012: Nico Rosberg took his maiden F1 victory, leading every lap in a dominant performance that signaled Mercedes' return as a competitive force.
• 2007: Kimi Raikkonen won the race, but the biggest story was Lewis Hamilton's rookie error - he slid into the gravel trap while entering the pit lane, costing him crucial championship points in a season that would be decided by a single point.
• 2006: Michael Schumacher won his record 91st and final Grand Prix victory in Shanghai, a fitting achievement at the circuit where he had won the inaugural race two years earlier.

Track Facts

• The circuit's layout is inspired by the Chinese character "shang," the first character in the word Shanghai.
• Construction cost approximately $450 million, making it one of the most expensive purpose-built circuits in F1 history.
• The venue can accommodate up to 200,000 spectators across its grandstands and general admission areas.
• Shanghai hosted the milestone 1,000th Formula 1 World Championship race in 2019.

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