Chinese Grand Prix: Top 5 interesting and fun facts to know ahead of the race

Following an action-packed season opener at the Australian Grand Prix 2025, where McLaren’s Lando Norris dominated to claim the first victory of the year, the focus now shifts to the Chinese Grand Prix. The race will take place at the iconic Shanghai International Circuit, a track known for its unpredictable outcomes, thrilling battles, and an electrifying atmosphere that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Here are the most interesting facts about the Chinese Grand Prix

What’s special about the Shanghai circuit

The Shanghai International Circuit stands as a testament to engineering brilliance. Constructed on marshland in Shanghai’s Jiading District, building the track required millions of concrete pillars to reinforce the ground and ensure stability.

The circuit’s unique layout was inspired by the Chinese character "Shang" (?), which means "above" or "ascend", perfectly symbolizing the spirit of Formula 1 racing.

What makes Shanghai circuit different from others

Shanghai boasts a 1.2-kilometer back straight, one of the longest in Formula 1. Here, drivers can reach blistering speeds of over 340 km/h (211 mph), leading to intense battles, dramatic overtakes, and strategic use of DRS (Drag Reduction System)—a spectacle that never fails to thrill the fans.

Lewis Hamilton’s Shanghai dominance

While Lewis Hamilton’s start with Ferrari was far from ideal—securing just one point after finishing 10th in the Australian GP—all eyes will be on the seven-time world champion as he returns to one of his most successful tracks.

Hamilton holds the record for the most wins at the Shanghai International Circuit, with victories in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2019—more than any other driver in Chinese Grand Prix history. Having spent 12 seasons with Mercedes, winning seven world titles, Hamilton is now on a quest for a record-breaking eighth championship, which would surpass the legendary Michael Schumacher.

His high-profile move to Ferrari in 2024 was one of the biggest driver transfers in F1 history, and his performance at Shanghai could be a defining moment of his debut season with the Scuderia.

When Chinese Grand Prix was missing on the F1 calender

The Chinese Grand Prix was absent from the F1 calendar between 2020 and 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking one of the longest breaks for any Grand Prix in the sport’s history. When the race finally returned in 2024, Max Verstappen emerged victorious in a thrilling contest.

Michael Schumacher's unbroken Shanghai record

No discussion of F1 history is complete without Michael Schumacher. The seven-time world champion set the fastest lap ever recorded at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2004, clocking an incredible 1:32.238—a record that still stands today.

Also Read: Formula 1 gear up for Chinese Grand Prix: Date, time, and agenda of the 2025 season

Here are the past winners of the Chinese Grand Prix
- 2004: Rubens Barrichello

- 2005: Fernando Alonso

- 2006: Michael Schumacher

- 2007: Kimi Räikkönen

- 2008: Lewis Hamilton

- 2009: Sebastian Vettel

- 2010: Jenson Button

- 2011: Lewis Hamilton

- 2012: Nico Rosberg

- 2013: Fernando Alonso

- 2014: Lewis Hamilton

- 2015: Lewis Hamilton

- 2016: Nico Rosberg

- 2017: Lewis Hamilton

- 2018: Daniel Ricciardo

- 2019: Lewis Hamilton

- 2020-2023: No race due to COVID-19

- 2024: Max Verstappen

The Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled this weekend, March 21 to 23. Let's see who emerges the winner in the second race of the 2025 F1 season.




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