The Shanghai International Circuit stands in the Jiading District of Shanghai, China, although the ground used to be marshland. Hermann Tilke designed it and it opened in 2004, but the soil was so soft that builders had to sink thousands of piles to hold up the foundations. However, the reported cost ranges from 240 to 450 million US dollars, depending on the source.
In addition, people often say the layout resembles the Chinese character ‘shang’, which is the first character in the name of the city and means ‘above’ or ‘rising’. Rubens Barrichello won the first Chinese Grand Prix in 2004, and the track stayed on the calendar until the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the race from 2020 to 2023. Formula 1 returned to Shanghai in 2024 for the first time since 2019.
The Shanghai International Circuit Track
For example, one of the longest straights in Formula 1 runs for 1.2 kilometres between Turns 13 and 14, and it ends at a heavy-braking hairpin, so it is the best place on the lap to overtake.
Meanwhile, the start of the lap is just as unusual. Turns 1 and 2 keep tightening while you drive through them, and a very tight Turn 3 leads into a short, bending straight between Turns 4 and 5. Later on, Turns 7 and 8 produce very high G-forces and test the downforce of the car.
Tyre wear is high, especially on the front-left, so strategy plays a major part in the result.
Overall, the Shanghai International Circuit has 16 corners over 5.451 kilometres (3.387 miles), and the race lasts 56 laps.
Shanghai International Circuit Fast Facts
| Shanghai International Circuit Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | Chinese Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Shanghai International Circuit |
| Location | Shanghai, China |
| Lap Length | 5.451 km (3.387 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 56 |
| Race Distance | 305.066 km (189.559 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 16 |
| First Grand Prix | 2004 |
Conclusion
The Shanghai International Circuit stands out for its unusual opening corners and one of the longest straights in Formula 1, so it gives drivers a chance to attack as well as defend. To find race times, session times, results and official notices, start with our Formula 1 hub, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Shanghai International Circuit?
It is in the Jiading District of Shanghai, China, so the race takes place there.
How Long Is the Shanghai International Circuit?
One lap is 5.451 km (3.387 miles), so a full race of 56 laps adds up to 305.066 km (189.559 miles).
How Many Laps Does the Chinese Grand Prix Have?
The cars complete 56 laps, so they cover 305.066 km (189.559 miles) in total.
How Many Corners Does the Shanghai Circuit Have?
The lap has 16 corners, but the long back straight is the main overtaking spot.
When Did Formula 1 First Race in Shanghai?
The first Formula 1 race here took place in 2004, when Rubens Barrichello won it.
How Long Is the Back Straight in Shanghai?
The straight between Turns 13 and 14 is about 1.2 km long, so it is one of the longest in Formula 1.
What Shape Is the Shanghai Circuit Layout?
People often say the track follows the shape of the Chinese character ‘shang’, because that character appears in the name of the city.
