F1 2026 China GP LIVE: Sprint qualifying start time, schedule and updates in Shanghai – UK Times

George Russell on top after his season-opening win in Australia:

1. George Russell (Mercedes) – 25 points

2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 18 points

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 15 points

4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 12 points

5. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 10 points

6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 8 points

7. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 6 points

8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – 4 points

9. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – 2 points

10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1 point

One such issue were the race starts, an area in which Ferrari thrived in, with Charles Leclerc leapfrogging from fourth to first at turn one and Hamilton also climbing three places.

Yet some runners struggled to start smoothly, given the specifics of the turbo lag and energy management on the formation lap, and Russell believes Ferrari have refuted a potential alteration, as a result of their current supremacy at lights out.

• Sprint qualifying: 7:30am

• Sprint race: 3am
• Qualifying: 7am

Formula 1 heads to China for the second race of the season at the Shanghai International Circuit – and the first sprint weekend of the 2026 season.

Max Verstappen voiced his dissatisfaction with the new F1 regulations, especially the energy management aspect of the 2026 cars, and has not ruled out quitting the sport. Defending champion Lando Norris finished fifth as McLaren looked short of pace compared to Mercedes, while Oscar Piastri is looking to bounce back after a devastating pre-race crash at his home event.