F1 China: The ultimate Ferrari fan's guide to Shanghai
Will Ferrari secure another podium in Shanghai? Discover the F1 China schedule, start times, where to watch, and more in this ultimate Scuderia fan’s guide.
After Ferrari’s impressive start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Scuderia now faces a tough challenge at the Chinese Grand Prix. Ferrari has historically struggled in Shanghai, but they will be hopeful of a strong result after Charles Leclerc’s podium in Australia. However, with the Grand Prix once again taking place in the early hours of the morning for European Formula 1 fans, it's hard to keep track of all of the sessions throughout the race weekend. So let’s dive into the ultimate guide to the F1 China schedule for Ferrari fans.
When Does the Formula 1 Chinese GP Start?
Not only do many of the Chinese Grand Prix sessions take place early in the morning, but to make matters even more confusing, it’s also the first sprint race weekend of the 2026 F1 season. This means that there will be two qualifying sessions and two races in China. However, the drivers will only have one practice session to perfect the track, which is an extra challenge that they’ll have to navigate in Shanghai. See the 2026 F1 China GP track times for the United Kingdom (GMT) below:
- Practice 1: Friday at 03:30 - 04:30
- Sprint Qualifying: Friday at 07:30 - 08:14
- Sprint Race: Saturday at 03:00 - 04:00
- Qualifying: Saturday at 07:00 - 08:00
- Race: Sunday at 07:00
*All times are United Kingdom time (GMT).
Where To Watch the Formula 1 Chinese GP
No matter where you are in the world, Formula 1 is now so popular that you’ll likely be able to find a channel showing all the action live. Below is a list of all the broadcasters and streams for fans in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Scandinavia to watch the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix:
Who Is Representing Ferrari In F1 Academy?
The Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy has just one representative on the 2026 F1 Academy grid, with Alba Hurup Larsen racing for the Scuderia in Shanghai. Larsen has only been racing since she was 14-years-old, however, the Danish academy prospect has developed quickly within the motorsport world. The now 17-year-old has plenty of Formula 4 experience, and is entering her second F1 Academy season in 2026, with the SFDA having high hopes for her upcoming campaigns in both the F4 British Championship and F1 Academy.
Read the full story of Alba Larsen’s rise to the Ferrari Driver Academy here.
Can Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc break Ferrari’s Chinese Grand Prix curse this weekend? Find out here!
