Chinese Grand Prix facts for kids
| Shanghai International Circuit | |
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| Race information | |
|---|---|
| Number of times held | 18 |
| First held | 2004 |
| Most wins (drivers) |  Lewis Hamilton (6) |
| Most wins (constructors) |  Mercedes (6) |
| Circuit length | 5.451 km (3.387 mi) |
| Race length | 305.066 km (189.559 mi) |
| Laps | 56 |
| Last race (2025) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
| Fastest lap | |
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The Chinese Grand Prix (Chinese: 中国大奖赛; pinyin: Zhōngguó Dàjiǎngsài) is a super exciting Formula One car race that happens in China. It's part of the Formula One World Championship, which is the highest level of car racing in the world! This race has been held almost every year since 2004.
The race was put on hold from 2020 to 2023 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it came back in 2024 and is planned to continue until at least 2030. It takes place at the amazing Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai.
The Shanghai International Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke. It opened in 2004 and cost about US$240 million to build. This made it one of the most expensive Formula One tracks at the time. The track is 5.451 km (3.387 mi) long. It has a very tricky part called Turn 1 and 2. This is a 270-degree right-hand corner that gets tighter as you go through it. It's a real challenge for the drivers!
Contents
History of the Chinese Grand Prix
How the Race Started
In the early 1990s, the Chinese government really wanted to host a Formula One race. A track called the Zhuhai International Circuit opened in 1996. It was even planned to host a race in 1999. However, the track wasn't quite ready for the high standards set by the FIA, which is the main group that organizes motor racing. So, that race had to be cancelled.
In 2002, it was announced that Shanghai would get its own Formula One race. The people in charge of the Shanghai International Circuit signed a seven-year deal. This meant the Chinese Grand Prix would be held there from 2004 to 2011.
First Races and Big Moments
The very first Chinese Grand Prix happened on September 26, 2004. It was won by Rubens Barrichello, who drove for Ferrari. The next year, in 2005, the Chinese Grand Prix was the final race of the Formula One season. Fernando Alonso, who had just become the world champion, won that race. His team, Renault, also won the team championship.
In 2006, the legendary driver Michael Schumacher won the Chinese Grand Prix. This was his very last victory in Formula One, making it a special moment in history.
Keeping the Race Going
After a few years, there were some discussions about whether the race would continue. In 2008, a race official mentioned that the event was losing money. People wondered if it might be cancelled, like the French Grand Prix.
However, the race continued! In 2011, a new agreement was made between Formula One and the race organizers. There were talks about how much money China would pay to host the race. It was reported that the fee was very high. But a deal was reached, and the race was set to continue until 2017.
In September 2017, an even newer deal was signed. This agreement kept the Chinese Grand Prix on the calendar until 2020. In 2019, the Chinese Grand Prix was extra special because it was the 1000th Formula One World Championship race ever!
Recent Years
The 2020 race was supposed to happen on April 19. But it was first postponed and then cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The races planned for 2021, 2022, and 2023 were also cancelled. Luckily, the Grand Prix made its big return to the Formula One calendar in 2024.
Winners of the Chinese Grand Prix
Drivers with Multiple Wins
Here are the drivers who have won the Chinese Grand Prix more than once. Drivers in bold are still racing in Formula One today.
| Wins | Driver | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton |
2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019 |
| 2 |  Fernando Alonso |
2005, 2013 |
| Nico Rosberg |
2012, 2016 | |
| Source: | ||
Teams with Multiple Wins
These are the teams (constructors) that have won the Chinese Grand Prix more than once. Teams in bold are competing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Constructor | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Mercedes |
2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 |
| 4 |  Ferrari |
2004, 2006, 2007, 2013 |
| McLaren |
2008, 2010, 2011, 2025 | |
| 3 |  Red Bull |
2009, 2018, 2024 |
| Source: | ||
Engine Manufacturers with Multiple Wins
Here are the engine manufacturers whose engines have powered winning cars at the Chinese Grand Prix. Manufacturers in bold are competing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Mercedes |
2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2025 |
| 4 | Ferrari |
2004, 2006, 2007, 2013 |
| 2 |  Renault |
2005, 2009 |
| Source: | ||
Winners by Year
All Chinese Grands Prix have been held at the Shanghai International Circuit.
| Year | Driver | Constructor | Report | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 |  Rubens Barrichello |
Ferrari | Report | |||
| 2005 | Fernando Alonso |
Renault | Report | |||
| 2006 | Michael Schumacher |
Ferrari | Report | |||
| 2007 |  Kimi Räikkönen |
Ferrari | Report | |||
| 2008 | Lewis Hamilton |
McLaren-Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2009 | Sebastian Vettel |
Red Bull Racing-Renault | Report | |||
| 2010 | Jenson Button |
McLaren-Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2011 | Lewis Hamilton |
McLaren-Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2012 | Nico Rosberg |
Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2013 | Fernando Alonso |
Ferrari | Report | |||
| 2014 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2015 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2016 | Nico Rosberg |
Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2017 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2018 |  Daniel Ricciardo |
Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer | Report | |||
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |||
| 2020 – 2023 |
Not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic | |||||
| 2024 |  Max Verstappen |
Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT | Report | |||
| 2025 | Oscar Piastri |
McLaren-Mercedes | Report | |||
| Source: | ||||||
Support Races
Besides the main Formula One race, there are often other exciting races that happen on the same weekend. These are called "support races." They give fans even more racing action to enjoy!
In 2004, races like Formula BMW Asia, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, and Asian Formula Renault Challenge were support events. Over the years, different series have joined, such as GP2 Asia Series and TCR International Series. More recently, in 2019, the China Formula Grand Prix and Shell Helix FIA F4 Chinese Championship were part of the weekend's racing fun.
See also
In Spanish: Gran Premio de China para niños
