How to follow Chinese Grand Prix on the BBC

Fans hold up signs during first practice in Shanghai Getty Images

The Chinese Grand Prix is held at the 5.451km Shanghai International Circuit

Lorraine McKenna
BBC Sport Journalist

Round two of the 2026 Formula 1 season heads to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, from 13-15 March, which is also the first sprint event of the campaign.

Mercedes locked out the front row in China with Kimi Antonelli on pole position and George Russell, who had issues during the final part of qualifying, starting alongside him on he front row in second.

Russell also won an eventful sprint race on Saturday ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

Lights out for Sunday's main grand prix is at 07:00.

Session start times and BBC coverage

Commentary of the race will be available across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.

You can also listen by asking most smart speakers to "play BBC Radio 5 Live".

Make sure to listen to every episode of the Chequered Flag podcast. For the first time this year, the post-race show for every grand prix will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

All times GMT

Sunday, 15 March

Race: 07:00 (BBC Radio 5 Live coverage from 06:30, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

What is the Shanghai weather forecast?

Sunday's 56-lap race in Shanghai is forecast for more cloud cover than the previous two days of track action but conditions should still be settled.

There is no rain predicted to fall and the temperature will about 15C at lights out, which is 3pm local time.

Who is leading the 2026 drivers' championship?

There are 12 drivers who have collected points so far in 2026 and Mercedes' George Russell is leading the field after victories in Melbourne and the sprint race in Shanghai.

Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc are level on 22 points, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton four behind the pair. Reigning title holder Lando Norris is 18 points off the top spot in fifth.

Drivers' championship:

1. George Russell (Mercedes) - 33pts

2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 22

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 22

4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 18

5. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 15

6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 8

7. Oliver Bearman (Haas) - 7

8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 4

9. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 3

10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2

11. Liam Lawson (racing Bulls) - 2

12. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 1

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