Resolution criteria

The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix takes place over 56 laps of the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday, March 15. The winner will be determined by the Grand Prix itself getting underway at 1500 on Sunday, March 15. Resolution will be based on the official FIA race results published on Formula1.com.

Background

George Russell leads the championship after winning the Australian Grand Prix. George Russell claimed victory in the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the Briton leading team mate Kimi Antonelli to secure a Mercedes 1-2. Mercedes led the field across the weekend, with George Russell topping all three qualifying segments, before leading home a team 1-2 ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the Chinese Grand Prix qualifying. 19-year-old Antonelli capitalised on Russell's issues to secure his maiden grand prix pole and become F1's youngest-ever polesitter in the process, beating Sebastian Vettel's previous record from 2008.

Considerations

China stages the first of six Sprint events this season. The alternative format sees one single practice session take place before the competitive action begins with Sprint Qualifying later on the Friday, before the 19-lap Sprint itself on Saturday when the weekend's first points are on offer. The main Grand Prix race on Sunday determines the overall race winner.

This description was generated by AI.