Sprint Race Time
With the Australian Grand Prix, the first round of the 2026 season, now behind us, it is already time for Formula 1 to return to the track this weekend; welcoming teams and drivers this time will be the paddock of the Shanghai circuit, where the Chinese Grand Prix will take place. A weekend that, unlike the one in Melbourne, will also feature the first of the six Sprint Races on the calendar, where last year Lewis Hamilton triumphed for the first and so far only time in a Ferrari.
Nothing changes
Regarding what was seen in 2025 on the Chinese track, we will witness a sort of ‘replay’ for the choices made by Pirelli for this edition. The sole tire supplier has in fact announced the compounds it will bring to Shanghai, which will be the same as last season: C2 (hard), C3 (medium) and C4 (soft).
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The Shanghai circuit
A track that, due to its layout, will put the tires to the test during the race: the alternation of fast corners, mixed with others to be tackled at a significantly lower speed, will also represent a challenge for the energy recovery of the new power units. To this is added the characteristic of the asphalt, which after the 2024 works increased the grip level, while simultaneously generating graining on the front axle, especially during the Sprint Race. For this GP, grip should be slightly lower, as should the risk of graining, but the first feedback will come during free practice.
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