“Sunshine and Showdowns: What to Expect from the 2025 F1 Chinese Grand Prix Weather in Shanghai”….read more
As the Formula 1 season heats up after an exhilarating opening at the Australian Grand Prix, attention now turns to the second round in Shanghai for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. This race marks the first Sprint weekend of the year, adding another layer of excitement to the action. McLaren’s Lando Norris made a statement by clinching victory in Melbourne, ahead of defending champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, with Mercedes’ George Russell rounding out the top three. However, all eyes will now be on Shanghai, where Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are eager to improve upon their underwhelming finishes of 8th and 10th in Australia.
After a chaotic race in Albert Park, where unpredictable rain showers and slippery conditions made for a difficult weekend, the drivers will be hoping for more stable weather at the Chinese Grand Prix. Let’s take a look at what the weather forecast has in store for the weekend.
Friday, March 21: Practice and Sprint Qualifying The weekend kicks off with the first practice session at 11:30 AM local time. The weather will be mild, with temperatures hovering around 20°C and minimal chance of rain—just a 5% likelihood. A gentle breeze will be present, potentially affecting the drivers as they race down the start-finish straight. By the time Sprint Qualifying rolls around at 3:30 PM, temperatures will rise to 23°C, and the wind will pick up, possibly making a significant difference compared to the earlier practice session.
Saturday, March 22: Sprint and Qualifying Saturday’s Sprint race will begin at 11:00 AM, with conditions nearly identical to the previous day’s qualifying. No rain is expected, ensuring smooth sailing for the competitors. The real heat kicks in during the afternoon, with temperatures climbing to 25°C for the official qualifying session at 3:00 PM, again with dry weather in the forecast.
Sunday, March 23: Race Day As the weekend culminates, Sunday will see the weather remain warm, with temperatures peaking at 26°C in the hour before the race, set to start at 3:00 PM local time. However, there is now a slightly higher chance of rain, with a 12% possibility as the race gets underway. Despite the clouds, the breeze will calm down, returning to the mild levels seen during practice, which could provide some relief to the drivers.
For teams like Ferrari, who are hoping to get their season back on track after a rocky start, this consistent weather could be a welcome change. The stable conditions should give drivers like Hamilton, still adjusting to his new Ferrari, the opportunity to fine-tune their setups and hopefully secure better results.
With the weather forecast looking promising, all that’s left is for the drivers to hit the track and deliver thrilling racing action in Shanghai!
