To the excitement of the fans, the Chinese Grand Prix will be returning to the Formula 1 calendar in 2024. Debuting in 2004, the Chinese Grand Prix was raced at consecutively for 16 years until 2019. Like many races in 2020, the pandemic put a halt to China’s participation with F1. Although races were originally scheduled up until 2023, they were cancelled due to the strict Covid regulations in the country. Currently held at the Shanghai International Circuit, the Chinese Grand Prix is an exciting addition to the F1 calendar and the fans and drivers are all excited for its return in April of 2024.
The Shanghai International Circuit was originally inspired by the Chinese character shang (上), which is the first character in the name of the city Shanghai. There are a total of 16 turns within this circuit, adding up to a total length of 5.451 km (3.388 mi). The circuit features one of the longest straights on the calendar, with 1.2 km (0.7 mi) separating turns 13 and 14. The circuit has a series of long straights and two 270° corners. With many drivers never having driven on this circuit, the Grand Prix is sure to be one that is unpredictable and exhilarating.
The Shanghai International Circuit is known for its unique shape inspired by the Chinese character, shang. Despite not being a part of the calendar for the past four years, it is known to be a demanding track that challenges the drivers and the cars.
During the 2024 Chinese GP scheduled from April 19th to 21st, attendees can expect fairly warm temperatures ranging from 11° C (51° F) to 18° C (64° F). April is known to be a mildly warm month in Shanghai where race goers can expect cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, but warmer temperatures during the day. It is advised that travelers come prepared with rain gear as Shanghai is known for their unpredictable rain showers.
The lap record at the Shanghai International Circuit is held my Michael Schumacher, who set a time of 1:32.238 in 2004 while he was driving for Ferrari.
Michael Schumacher, one of the best Formula One drivers, took his last race victory at the Shanghai circuit in 2006. He still currently holds the lap record at the circuit, which he set in 2004 while he was driving for Ferrari. Another memorable moment at the Chinese Grand Prix was back in 2009 when a young Sebastian Vettel claimed Red Bull’s very first victory. Vettel started the race on pole position and faced many challenges as the weather was quite unfavorable. In the end, he came home to claim victory for the Austrian team.
Lewis Hamilton is the most successful Formula One driver at the Shanghai International Circuit. He has won a total of six times at the circuit and has lead Mercedes to being the top winning team at the Chinese Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg are tied for second as the most successful drivers at this circuit, both of whom have won a total of two different times.
Zhou Guanyu is the first and only Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1. Zhou joined Formula 1 in 2022, signing with Alfa Romeo to partner Valtteri Bottas. With an impressive start to his debut season, Zhou Guanyu scored a point at the Bahrain Grand prix and finished the year with a total of six points. Zhou has resigned with Alfa Romeo and will be driving for them until the end of the 2024 season.
The 2019 Chinese Grand Prix was an exciting event that saw Lewis Hamilton claim the win for Mercedes. His teammate at the time, Valtteri Bottas, had started the race on pole, but only came home to claim second ahead of the Ferrari driver, Sebastian Vettel. Max Verstappen finished the race in fourth with Red Bull, while his teammate at the time, Pierre Gasly, finished the race in 6th.
The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from April 19th to April 21st. the race weekend will include a practice session on April 19th, followed by the qualifying session for Sunday’s race. The 20th will have the Sprint Shootout followed by the Sprint race. Lastly, the Grand Prix will take place on April 21st.
Tickets for the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix can be purchased through the official Formula 1 website or other authorized ticket vendors. It’s recommended to book early to secure the best seats and prices.
Shanghai operates on China Standard time, which is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC +8). It is important for international visitors to adjust their schedules accordingly to ensure they don’t miss any of the action.
Shanghai offers a wide range of accommodations for visiting tourists and race goers. There are numerous options for different budgets ranging from luxury hotels to more affordable hostels.
Shanghai has a variety of transportation options with 12 different subway lines connecting the various areas of the city.
The Shanghai International Circuit is largest on the Formula 1 calendar with the ability to hold a capacity of 200,000 spectators. Not only is Lewis Hamilton the most successful driver at the Chinese Grand Prix, but he is also the only driver to have taken the fastest lap at the race more than once, for a total of four separate times
Being a notorious circuit that challenges the tires and the brakes, the fans and driver have been anticipating the return of the Chinese Grand Prix. The Shanghai International Circuits unique turns and straights makes it a race that brings unexpected outcomes and continues to be a highlight during the Formula 1 season.
