The much-anticipated return of the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit marks its first event since 2019, after being disrupted by the pandemic. This weekend also introduces the first sprint race of 2024, adopting a revised format.
The excitement is building as Formula One returns to the Shanghai International Circuit for the first time since the global outbreak of COVID-19 halted international events. The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix not only marks a return to familiar territory but also introduces the inaugural sprint race of the season under a newly modified format, adding pressure to the drivers with just one practice session instead of the usual three.
Friday’s schedule begins with Free Practice One in the morning. This session is critical as it will be the only practice drivers have before sprint qualifying determines the lineup for Saturday’s sprint race. The limited practice time has been a point of contention among teams and drivers, especially given the four-year hiatus from the Shanghai track.
The sprint race, will unfold on Saturday morning, followed by the qualifying rounds for the Grand Prix in the afternoon. This packed schedule provides a thrilling weekend for fans but a challenging weekend for the teams. As usual, Sunday will host the Grand Prix.
Peter J Fox/Getty Images
When to watch the Chinese GP
The Chinese Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday 19 April.
Friday 19 April
Free Practice 1:
11:30 – 12:30 local time
04:30 – 05:30 London
20:30 – 21:30 Los Angeles (Thursday 18 April)
23:30 – 00:30 New York (Thursday 18 April)
05:30 – 06:30 Imola
12:30 – 13:30 Tokyo
Sprint Qualifying:
15:30 – 16:14 local time
08:30 – 09:14London
00:30 – 01:14 Los Angeles
03:30 – 04:14 New York
09:30 – 10:14 Imola
16:30 – 17:14 Tokyo
Saturday 20 April
Sprint Race:
11:00 – 12:00 local time
04:00 – 05:00 London
20:00 – 21:00 Los Angeles (Friday 19 April)
23:00 – 00:00 New York (Friday 19 April)
05:00 – 06:00 Imola
12:00 – 13:00 Tokyo
Qualifying:
15:00 – 16:00 local time
08:00 – 09:00 London
00:00 – 01:00 Los Angeles
03:00 – 04:00 New York
09:00 – 10:00 Imola
16:00 – 17:00 Tokyo
Sunday 21 April
Race:
15:00 local time
08:00 London
00:00 Los Angeles
03:00 New York
09:00 Imola
16:00 Tokyo
How to watch the Chinese Grand Prix
In the United States, the races and qualifying sessions will be broadcast on ESPN, featuring the Sky F1 feed, and available for streaming on fuboTV.
UK viewers can tune into the events via Sky Sports F1 or stream through NowTV, offering flexibility for fans to watch the races live.
Another viewing option, outside of the UK, is F1 TV which is available via a subscription.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.