2026 Chinese Grand Prix start time: how to watch, live stream and F1 schedule
Watch F1 via live stream or on TV: dates and start time for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
Grand Prix Photo
The lights will go out for the Chinese Grand Prix in the early hours of Sunday, meaning UK fans will need to drag themselves out of bed for the second round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
But Shanghai will host the first sprint weekend of the year, meaning it will also be worth setting the alarm for a very early start to Saturday.
After a harrowing Australian Grand Prix, F1 teams will have to prepare for a very different challenge, as the circuit layout will require a very different approach to energy management.
Mercedes is still favourite after a commanding display in Melbourne, but Ferrari‘s blitzing starts will add spice to the battle at the head of the field.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton arrives in Shanghai still looking for his first podium with Ferrari, a year on from his sprint victory, still the main highlight from his spell at Maranello.
Sky Sports has exclusive live coverage in the UK across every session on Sky Sports F1. If you’re not a subscriber, Channel 4 will broadcast highlights of the race on free-to-air television.
Here’s everything you need to know to follow the action.
2026 Chinese Grand Prix F1 start times, streaming and TV schedule
All times GMT for UK viewers
Friday 13 March
| Session | Session start time | Live TV coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | 3.30am | 3am, Sky Sports F1 |
| Sprint Qualifying | 7.30am | 6.45am, Sky Sports F1 |
Saturday 14 March
| Session | Session start time | Live TV coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint | 3am | 2.25am, Sky Sports F1 |
| Qualifying | 7am | 6.30am, Sky Sports F1 |
Sunday 15 March
| Session | Race start time | Live TV coverage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Grand Prix | 7am | 5.30am, Sky Sports F1 | Channel 4, 1pm |
How to watch F1
Streaming and TV broadcast details
The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix follows the sprint weekend format, meaning there is just one practice session before the competitive action gets underway. Sprint qualifying takes place on Friday, followed by the sprint race itself on Saturday, before full qualifying and the Grand Prix round out the weekend on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Live TV
Sky customers can watch on Sky Sports F1 from the sole practice session on Friday morning through to the Chinese Grand Prix itself on Sunday, March 15 at 7am. Subscribers can also watch via the Sky Sports app, with the option to go onboard with any driver of their choice.
Live stream
NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all Sky Sports channels with contract-free membership options, so customers can cancel at any time. A Month or Day Membership is available. Live timing is also available through the F1 app throughout every session.
Highlights
Channel 4’s coverage of the Chinese GP weekend will feature highlights from qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday, March 15, aired shortly after each session concludes.