2025 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix to Debut Sprint Format on Resurfaced Track
Lando Norris leads the championship heading into Shanghai, where teams face strategic challenges from limited practice and track changes.
- The Chinese Grand Prix, set for March 22-23, marks the second race of the season and the first sprint race of 2025, with only one practice session available for teams.
- Lando Norris, who won the season opener in Australia, leads the Drivers' Championship for the first time, ending Max Verstappen's dominance since 2022.
- The Shanghai International Circuit has been resurfaced, adding unpredictability to tire strategies and car performance during the sprint weekend.
- Mercedes showed strong early-season form in Australia, with George Russell finishing third and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressing in fourth place.
- Ferrari struggled in Melbourne, with Lewis Hamilton finishing 10th in his team debut and Charles Leclerc managing only eighth, leaving the team seeking improvement in Shanghai.