Shanghai International Circuit - Technical Data
General Circuit Information
- Location: Jiading District, Shanghai, China
- Circuit Type: Permanent race track
- Direction: Clockwise
- FIA Grade: 1 (suitable for Formula 1 racing)
- Current Contract: Hosts the Chinese Grand Prix until at least 2030
Track Dimensions
- Length: 5.451 km (3.387 miles)
- Race Distance: 305.066 km (189.559 miles) over 56 laps
- Number of Corners: 16 (9 right-hand, 7 left-hand)
- Track Width: Varies; typically 13-15m, up to 20m at Turn 14
Layout Features
- DRS Zones: 2
- Zone 1: Back straight (Turn 13 to Turn 14)
- Zone 2: Start-finish straight (after Turn 16)
- Longest Straight: 1.17 km (0.727 miles) between Turn 13 and Turn 14, speeds over 320 km/h with DRS
- Elevation Change: Approximately 21.1m, mostly flat with subtle undulations
Sectors
- Sector 1: Tight, twisty corners (Turns 1-4), front-limited
- Sector 2: Medium-speed corners (Turns 5-10), high G-force sections
- Sector 3: Slow corners and long straights (Turns 11-16), traction-critical
Lap Records
| Type |
Time |
Driver |
Team |
Year |
| Race Lap Record |
1:32.238 |
Michael Schumacher |
Ferrari |
2004 |
| Qualifying Lap Record |
1:30.641 |
Oscar Piastri |
McLaren |
2025 |
Note: The 2025 qualifying record is unofficial as of March 2025 data.
Technical Characteristics
- Surface: Resurfaced in 2024; smoother than pre-2019, evolves quickly
- Downforce Level: Medium; balance between cornering grip and straight-line speed
- Tyre Compounds (2025): Pirelli C2 (hard), C3 (medium), C4 (soft)
- Average Speed: ~210 km/h (based on historical data; higher post-resurfacing)
Corner Details
| Turn |
Description |
| 1-2 |
Tightening right-handers, 270-degree "snail" combo, heavy braking from 300+ km/h |
| 3-4 |
Left-right flick, requires smooth exit for momentum |
| 5 |
Medium-speed right-hander |
| 6 |
Slow right-hander, heavy braking zone |
| 7-8 |
High-speed, high-G right-handers, front tyre stress |
| 9-10 |
Medium-speed left-right chicane |
| 11-12 |
Slow right-left combo, technical section |
| 13 |
Long right-hander, critical for back straight speed |
| 14 |
Second-gear hairpin, prime overtaking spot with DRS |
| 15 |
Slow right-hander |
| 16 |
Tricky left-hander onto pit straight |
Additional Notes
- Pit Lane: Entry at Turn 16; time loss ~20-22 seconds
- Safety Features: Extensive run-off areas, gravel traps, and barriers
- Challenges: Front-limited track; tyre management critical in Turns 1-2, 7-8; overtaking at Turn 14
The Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China. First introduced in 2004, it quickly became a key part of the F1 calendar, known for its modern facilities and challenging track layout.
The Shanghai International Circuit was designed by renowned track architect Hermann Tilke and features a 5.451 km (3.387 miles) layout with 16 corners. The track is famous for its long back straight, which is over 1.2 km long, leading into a heavy braking zone at Turn 14, creating prime overtaking opportunities. It also includes unique, tightening-radius corners, such as the Turn 1–2 complex, which tests both driver skill and tire management.
The race has witnessed many historic moments, including Michael Schumacher’s final F1 win in 2006, Lewis Hamilton’s dramatic pit lane error in 2007, and Nico Rosberg’s first F1 victory in 2012. In 2019, the Chinese Grand Prix hosted Formula 1’s 1,000th World Championship race, marking a major milestone in the sport's history.
The event has played a crucial role in F1’s expansion into China, helping grow motorsport interest in the region. In 2023, China’s first F1 driver, Zhou Guanyu, joined the grid, increasing local fan engagement.
The Chinese Grand Prix was absent from the calendar between 2020 and 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returned in 2024, bringing back one of the most technically demanding and exciting circuits in Formula 1. As a key race in F1’s global expansion, the China GP remains a significant event, combining cutting-edge racing with passionate local support.
HEINEKEN CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2025 F1PTS - Race Event Standings