01The Latest from the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix
TestyourknowledgeontheChineseGrandPrixandwinaMysteryBox!
02Back to Business in Shanghai
Formula 1 returns to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, marking the first Sprint weekend of the 2025 season, after its successful comeback in 2024 following a four-year hiatus.
For Oracle Red Bull Racing, Shanghai holds a special place in our historyâitâs where we clinched our first-ever pole position and race win, courtesy of Sebastian Vettel in 2009. Fast forward to 2024, and Max Verstappen delivered yet another milestone, securing the 100th pole in the Teamâs history before converting it into victory, on his way to his fourth Championship title. Now, with the Team in dominant form and Liam Lawson eager to make his mark, expectations are high for another thrilling weekend.
Vettel Celebrates Our First Win© Red Bull Racing
This Sprint Race weekend presents an additional point-scoring opportunity for our drivers, and an opportunity that Max is used to. Out of the 18 races held so far, heâs won 11 of the 18 Sprint Races held, so the Team goes into the weekend optimistic for points.
Adding to the excitement, Maxâs consistency is unmatchedâhe's on a 22-race streak of scoring points, the eighth-longest in F1 history. With momentum on our side, can Oracle Red Bull Racing add another Shanghai victory to our tally? Time to find out.
03Looking back to our historic win
04Key Watchouts for the Chinese Grand Prix Weekend
The Bulls Battle Heavy Rain In Shanghai© Getty Images
- Technical Directive: A new technical directive from the FIA means some teams may need to change their rear wing configuration.
- Sprint Weekend Format: The first Sprint event of the season means limited track time and only one Free Practice session is available to the drivers and the Team.
- Track Evolution: The Shanghai International Circuit has recently been resurfaced, and grip levels are expected to change significantly throughout the weekend.
- Overtaking Opportunities: In 2024, Shanghai recorded the most non-DRS overtakes of any race on the calendar.
- Car Setup Adjustments: Unlike previous Sprint formats, teams can now tweak their setups after the Sprint Race but before Qualifying, making Fridayâs data collection critical.
05Shanghai International Circuit: A Unique Challenge
Shanghai International Circuit© Red Bull
Located in the Jiading District of Shanghai, China, the Shanghai International Circuit has been a key part of the Formula 1 calendar since its debut in 2004. Designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, the circuit is known for its blend of long straights, technical corners, and challenging elevation changes, making it a true test of driver skill and car setup.
- Lap Length: 5.451 km (3.387 miles)
- Number of Turns: 16 (9 right, 7 left)
- Race Distance: 56 laps (305.066 km / 189.559 miles)
- Lap Record: 1:32.238 (Michael Schumacher, 2004)
- DRS Zones: 2 (with an extended zone in 2025 to improve overtaking)
- Longest Straight: 1.2 km (0.75 miles) between Turns 13 and 14
- Most Common Overtaking Spot: Turn 14 hairpin at the end of the long straight
06Pirelli Tyre Choices & Strategy
A Worn Medium Compound Pirelli Tyre© Vladimir Rys
For the second consecutive year, Pirelli has allocated the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), and C4 (Soft) compounds for the Chinese Grand Prix. With a resurfaced track and potentially cooler conditions, getting tyres into the optimal operating window will be a key focus. Expect teams to start on the Mediums, with the Hard tyre playing a significant role in race strategy.
07Stats & Facts about the Chinese Grand Prix
- First Held: 2004
- Total Races: 18 (excluding cancellations from 2020-2023)
- First Winner: Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari, 2004)
- Most Wins by a Driver: Lewis Hamilton (6 wins)
- Most Wins by a Team: Mercedes (6 wins)
- Last Winner: Max Verstappen (2024)
- 1000th Grand Prix: The 2019 Chinese GP was the 1000th race in F1 history.
- Resurfaced Track: The entire circuit has been resurfaced ahead of 2025, impacting grip levels
- Track Layout Inspiration: The circuit shape is inspired by the Chinese character âshangâ (äž), meaning "above" or "upwards"
WhatMakesShanghaiChallenging?
Max On Track In China© Vladimir Rys
- Turn 1 & 2 Spiral: One of the most unique corners in F1, this long, tightening right-hander requires precise control as drivers gradually slow from high speeds.
- High-Speed Corners: The Turn 7-8 complex is a fast, flowing section that tests aerodynamics and driver confidence.
- Long Back Straight: At 1.2 km, the straight leading into Turn 14 is one of the longest in F1, offering prime overtaking opportunitiesâespecially with DRS.
- Evolving Track Surface: Built on reclaimed marshland, the circuit is prone to surface movement, leading to bumps and grip changes over time. The track was fully resurfaced in 2024, meaning teams must adapt quickly.
- Braking Demands: The circuit features multiple heavy braking zones, particularly into Turn 6 and Turn 14, where drivers slow from high speeds.
08Last Year at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix
Through The Lens: China
Double Podium Number Four For The Season© Vladimir Rys
Charging To The Front In The Sprint© Vladimir Rys
Keeping Ahead Of The Papaya© Vladimir Rys
In And Out In 1.9 Seconds© Vladimir Rys
Win Number 58© Vladimir Rys
Keeping It Under Wraps© Vladimir Rys
Max Or Checo?© Vladimir Rys
A Good Getaway© Vladimir Rys
Checo Passing The Grandstand© Vladimir Rys
Bulls Flooding The Podium© Vladimir Rys
09Max & Liam Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix
I have always enjoyed racing in Shanghai, there are lots of opportunities for overtaking here.
Max VerstappenLast weekend has only made me hungrier to go out there in Shanghai and give it my all.
Liam Lawson 
