At a glance
- Length
- 5.451 km
- Turns
- 16
- Lap (pole)
- ≈ 1:32
- First held
- 2004
- Type
- Permanent circuit
The Shanghai International Circuit is laid out in the shape of the Chinese character 上 (shàng), and its signature is the opening complex: a long, ever-tightening right that spirals from Turn 1 to Turn 4 like a snail shell, testing patience and front tyres. The 5.451 km lap then opens into a long back straight that feeds one of the best braking zones of the year.
Built in 2004 on reclaimed marshland, Shanghai mixes that unique spiral with high-speed sweeps and a heavy-braking hairpin. Pole laps run into the 1:32s.
Corners
- T1-4The SnailLong, ever-tightening right that spirals down to a slow apex.
- T6Turn 6Quick left out of the opening complex.
- T11Turn 11Begins the long right that leads onto the back straight.
- T13Turn 13Long right feeding the enormous back straight.
- T14Turn 14Heavy braking hairpin at the end of the straight; the main passing spot.
Data & how to read it
Speed on this page is mapped from a real Formula 1 qualifying lap via FastF1, aligned onto the circuit geometry and snapped to the track. Shanghai refreshes to the latest pole after each Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
Unofficial, fan-made. Not affiliated with Formula 1. Basemap © OpenStreetMap, © CARTO, OpenFreeMap / OpenMapTiles.