Chinese GP track breakdown: F1 returns to Shanghai’s never-ending corners

Much has changed since Formula One last raced in China. “It’s just a great racing track and a track that offers a good possibility to overtake.” Before the cars start barreling towards what feels like a never-ending turn sequence at the beginning of the lap, here’s what you need to know about the Shanghai International Circuit. “It’s always been a very, very interesting track, very nice track to drive on and a track where there are many, many different lines possible, especially in Turns 1-2-3 and all those long corners,” Charles Leclerc said ahead of the 2024 race. “There are very different ways of taking those corners, which makes it exciting for us.” In 2018, then-Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley said, “I quite like the track, it’s very technical and very hard on tires with such a long Turn 1 — where I think there’s 10 different options and lines, and there’s always some crazy passes on the inside, which is good for the driver and fun for the fans.” Turns 1 and 2 could eat away at the front left tire, and drivers have to balance just how quickly they enter the corner, especially coming off of the start/finish straight. So I think it’s quite a cool one for racing also.” It’s key to remember heading into the 2024 grand prix weekend that there’s plenty of unknowns for the paddock given the years-long hiatus.