Chinese Grand Prix facts for kids
| Shanghai International Circuit (2004–2019, 2024–present) |
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| Race information | |
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| Number of times held | 17 |
| 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 (2024) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
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| Fastest lap | |
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The Chinese Grand Prix (Chinese: 中国大奖赛; pinyin: Zhōngguó Dàjiǎngsài) is a thrilling car race that is part of the Formula One World Championship. It has been held almost every year since 2004. The race was put on hold from 2020 to 2023 because of a worldwide health situation.
This exciting race takes place at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China. This track was designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 2004. It cost a lot of money to build, making 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 challenging part called Turn 1 and 2. This is a big, curving corner that gets tighter as cars go through it.
Contents
History of the Race
How the Chinese Grand Prix Started
In the early 1990s, the Chinese government wanted to host a Formula One race. A track called Zhuhai International Circuit opened in 1996. It was planned to host a race in 1999. However, the track was not quite ready for the high standards of the FIA, so the race was cancelled.
In 2002, it was announced that Shanghai would host the Chinese Grand Prix. They signed a seven-year agreement to have the race from 2004 to 2011. The very first Chinese Grand Prix was held on September 26, 2004. It was won by Rubens Barrichello from the Ferrari team.
Memorable Races
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 the race. His team, Renault, also won the team championship that day. In 2006, the legendary driver Michael Schumacher won the Chinese Grand Prix. This was his last victory in Formula One.
Keeping the Race Going
Around 2008, there were some talks about whether the race would continue. It wasn't making enough money, and officials wondered if it should be cancelled. However, in 2010, Bernie Ecclestone, who manages the race contracts, said that Formula One was planning for more races, not fewer.
In 2011, a new agreement was finally made. There had been delays because the organizers felt the fee to host the race was too high. Formula One bosses agreed to lower the fee. This new agreement kept the Chinese Grand Prix on the calendar until 2017.
In September 2017, a new three-year agreement was signed. This meant the race would stay until 2020. In 2019, the Chinese Grand Prix was a very special event. It was the 1000th Formula One World Championship race ever!
Recent Years
The 2020 Chinese Grand Prix was supposed to happen on April 19. But it was postponed and then cancelled because of the global health crisis. The race was not held in 2021, 2022, or 2023 either. Luckily, the Grand Prix returned to the Formula One calendar in 2024, bringing back the excitement!
Top 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 |
| 3 | McLaren |
2008, 2010, 2011 |
 Red Bull |
2009, 2018, 2024 | |
| Source: | ||
Engine Manufacturers with Multiple Wins
Here are the engine makers whose engines have powered winning cars in the Chinese Grand Prix more than once. Manufacturers in bold are still involved in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Mercedes |
2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 |
| 4 | Ferrari |
2004, 2006, 2007, 2013 |
| 2 |  Renault |
2005, 2009 |
| Source: | ||
Chinese Grand Prix 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 a global health crisis | |||||
| 2024 |  Max Verstappen |
Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT | Report | |||
| Source: | ||||||
Other Races Held at the Event
Sometimes, other racing series also have their races during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend. These are called "support races." They add even more excitement for the fans!
- In 2004, races like Formula BMW Asia, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, and Asian Formula Renault Challenge were held.
- In 2008, the GP2 Asia Series joined as a support event.
- From 2009 onwards, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia was often the main support race.
- In 2015, the TCR International Series was a support event for one year.
- In 2019, the China Formula Grand Prix and Shell Helix FIA F4 Chinese Championship were also part of the weekend.
See also
In Spanish: Gran Premio de China para niños
