The F1 season is now in full swing and the third race in the Grand Prix calendar is now almost here! Read on as Karting Nation tells you all you need to know in our preview of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
What Time Does The Chinese Grand Prix Start?
Due to the time difference between the UK and China (+8 hours), it’s another early one we’re afraid! The action is due to commence at 7:10am UK time. So, don’t forget to set your alarm and prepare yourself for an early rise so you don’t miss out!
History of The Race
Taking place on the Shanghai International Circuit, the Chinese Grand Prix has been part of the F1 schedule ever since the first race was held there in 2004. Constructed at a cost of US$240 million, it was formerly the most expensive F1 circuit facility. This was until the Abu Dhabi circuit opened in 2009 with a monumental cost of US$6 billion!
Previously, the Chinese government planned for their F1 circuit to be held elsewhere. By 1999, the Zhuhai International Circuit was provisionally added to the F1 calendar. However, it was swiftly removed after the track fell short of FIA standards. But, that wasn’t the end of the ambitions of the Chinese government. After much debate, the Hermann Tilke designed Shanghai International Circuit was constructed and eventually opened by 2004.
Measuring up to 5.451km, it is one of the most difficult circuits in the F1 calendar, with an abundance of tricky corners, including one which forces drivers to turn over 270 degrees! Not only that, there’s also a 1.4km straight too. In September 2017, race organisers signed a new three-year deal, meaning the Chinese Grand Prix will appear on the F1 calendar until at least 2020.
How Did They Perform Last Year?
Lewis Hamilton was the winner of last year’s Chinese Grand Prix, with a time of 1:37:36.158. He finished ahead of his rival Sebastian Vettel, with the German earning himself second position on the podium with a time of +6.250. Coming in third place was Red Bull-Tag Heuer driver Max Verstappen with a time of +45.192.
In terms of overall wins in the Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has been able to emerge victorious on five occasions, which makes him the most successful driver on this particular circuit. He has won the race in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2017 respectively. Meanwhile, Spanish racer Fernando Alonso is tied with the now retired Nico Rosberg. Both drivers have won the Chinese Grand Prix on two occasions each.
Who Will Be Likely Winner?
After a disappointing showing in the first two races of the F1 season, Lewis Hamilton certainly can’t afford to lose any more ground to Sebastian Vettel, who is currently ahead of Hamilton by 17 points with his two wins so far this season. However, German driver Vettel has only won on this particular circuit once before, back in 2009. Despite finishing on the podium multiple times since then, Vettel is yet to earn top spot. He will most certainly be in with a good chance of a win this time round, especially considering his excellent start to the season. However, Lewis Hamilton has stormed to victory in the Chinese Grand Prix five times before, so now might just be his time to shine – giving him the perfect opportunity to close the gap on Driver’s Championship leader Vettel.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve found out all you need to know about this year’s Chinese Grand Prix, you’ll have to tune in this Sunday morning to see all of the action! It’s going to be an early one. But, we’re sure to be in for an awesome race on the F1 circuit – make sure you don’t miss out!