Shanghai International Circuit

The Chinese Grand Prix is held at the Shanghai International Circuit, located fifteen kilometers east of the city. The most characteristic features of the track are the long, sweeping corners and a straight stretch that is a massive 1.2 kilometers long. The circuit itself is quite modern but retains characteristics of an “old-school” track with gravel traps and grass areas right next to the asphalt in certain sections. Additionally, corners 7 and 8 subject drivers to enormous G-forces, and the approach to corner 14 is one of the hardest braking zones on the calendar.

The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke and inspired by the Chinese character shang (上), was built in 2003 to host the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in China in 2004. The design was considered cutting-edge at the time, and the buildings around the track still reflect that. The very first race in Shanghai was won by Rubens Barrichello in a Ferrari.

In 2007, the Chinese circuit played a crucial role in the decision for the Drivers' Championship. Rookie Lewis Hamilton was leading the standings going into the race, but he made a critical mistake by failing to pit with tires worn down to the canvas. He missed the braking point and ended up in the gravel, unable to continue the race. This mistake ultimately cost him the championship, which went to Kimi Räikkönen in the last race of the season.

The circuit provides excellent overtaking opportunities, particularly due to the long straight and hard braking zones in sector 3. In 2018, Daniel Ricciardo showed how these opportunities can work in a driver’s favor in his Red Bull. He overtook Valtteri Bottas unexpectedly at the hairpin of corner 6, eventually winning his sixth career race. This particular race was also remarkable because there were no retirements, marking just the eighth time in F1 history that no cars had retired during a race.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Chinese Grand Prix was not held four times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the circuit returned to the calendar, with Max Verstappen dominating the race and taking the win.

The lap record at the Shanghai circuit still belongs to Michael Schumacher, who set a time of 1:32.238 during the first Chinese Grand Prix in 2004, driving a Ferrari. Later that year, Schumacher secured his seventh world title with the F2004.

Ahead of its return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2024, several changes were made to the track. The most significant modification was the resurfacing of the track, which replaced the worn-out asphalt and provided more grip for the 2024 event.

With six victories at this venue, Hamilton is the most successful driver at the Shanghai International Circuit. The Brit has always mentioned how he loves the circuit, therefore it is hardly surprising he has won so often. 

It has not always been smooth sailing for the seven-time world champion, however, as he has had some thrilling battles over the years in China. His first-ever season saw Hamilton lead the championship in his rookie year. During the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix, however, he unluckily got stuck in the gravel on pit entrance and could not carry on. Ultimately Raikkonen won the championship, mainly due to this error.

In 2017, Hamilton had one of his most dominant displays at this venue. Taking pole on Saturday, and holding off Vettel for the lead. Ultimately, due to a Safety Car halfway through the race, the winning margin was nearly seven seconds. 

In 2025, Hamilton surprisingly won the Sprint Race in Shanghai. Ferrari were massively off the pace in the opening race, but seemed to bounce back in China. Unfortunately, after the Grand PRix on Sunday both Scuderia cars were disqualified due to technical infringements. The Sprint glory, however, showcased a spark of the champion in Hamilton, who massively struggled to get to grips with the car in the rest of the season.