Chinese Grand Prix Offers

Where is it?

The Chinese Grand Prix is held at the Shanghai International circuit, and was built in 2003 to showcase the city of Shanghai.

Shanghai is a fascinating destination in itself. It’s located on the east coast of China, and is the country’s most populous city, with 25 million inhabitants, making it the second largest city in the world. As well as being a major centre for finance, commerce and technology, it’s a well visited tourist destination.

Apart from two years during the pandemic, a Formula 1 race has been held there every year since 2004.

What’s the circuit like?

It’s a Herman Talk design and the circuit is shaped like then Chinese character, Shang, meaning “ascend.” It’s on a 5.3 square KM site, and is vast, with huge viewing platforms that can accommodate 30,000 spectators, and in total, the circuit has a capacity of 200,000.

The circuit features one of the longest straights on the calendar, between turns 13 and 14, at 1.2 KM. Driver love turns 7 and 8, which are ultra high speed. In contrast the early part of the lap is very low speed, with turns 3 and 4 being taken at around 100 kmh. Turn 14, at the end of the long straight is a prime overtaking spot.

Michael Schumacher still holds the official lap record for the circuit, set in 2004, in 1:32:328. Lewis Hamilton is the driver with the most wins at 6, with only Nico Rosberg and Fernando Alonso having achieved 2.

What sort of race can we expect?

If you love overtakes, this is one to watch. With two ling straights and double DRS zones, you’ll see battles all the way down the order. In 2016, there were 161, a record for a dry race.

Weather can often play a part too, with rain fairly common, which can add to the spice.

China is one of the venues that has a sprint race, so the weekend follows a slightly different format, which can add to the excitement of the fans.

Safety cars are common, which can add yet another interesting dynamic.

Where’s the best place to watch?

For a combination of affordability and action, Grandstand K, which is at Turn 14, one of the best overtaking spots on the circuit, is our top pick.

If you plan to go for the main grandstand, we’d suggest choosing seating on the left, so you’ll get a decent view of turns 1 and 2, but still be able to see the pits.

General admission is available, which will mean you’re standing on grassy banks, with no cover or seating.

When is it?

23rd March, but the sprint race is on 22nd.