Formula One returns to Shanghai, China this weekend for the first time in five years after Covid-19 caused restrictions and complications.

To mark the occasion, Shanghai will host the opening Sprint weekend of the 2024 season – with Red Bull and Max Verstappen expected to dominant at the front of the pack once again this weekend.

This race weekend schedule will look slightly different as two of the three practice sessions have been axed to make way for the Sprint Race.

Japan last held a F1 Grand Prix in 2019 and since that race, the circuit and standings have changed drastically, with the first two home in 2019, Lewis Hamilton and past teammate Valtteri Bottas being miles off the pace in 2024.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Shanghai Grand Prix which will see the opening Sprint race of the 2024 calendar season

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The Chinese Grand Prix will return this weekend to the F1 circuit following a five year absence due to Covid-19

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The last podium in 2019 saw Mercedes record a one-two, something which seems miles away for the current Mercedes outfit

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Max Verstappen and Red Bull are aiming for another dominant weekend of racing following their one-two finish at the Japanese Grand Prix

Chinese Grand Prix – key information

The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix will take place from Friday, April 19 till Sunday, April 21 at Shanghai International Circuit.

Practice one of the highly anticipated return to the Shanghai International Circuit is set to get underway at 4:30am BST on Friday.

This will be the only practice of the race weekend, due to the Sprint Race.

Unlike non sprint weekends, There will only be one practice instead of the standard three.

Sprint qualifying is scheduled to start at 8:30am on Friday, April 19, with the actual sprint race set to begin at 4am on Saturday, April 20.

Qualifying for the Grand Prix will then take place after the Sprint Race, with qualifying for Sunday’s race expected to begin at 8am.

The main action of the weekend, the Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 8am UK time on Sunday.

Chinese Grand Prix – Schedule

Friday, April 19

4:30am: Chinese GP Practice One
8:30am: Sprint Qualifying

Saturday, April 20

4am: Sprint Race
8am: Chinese GP Qualifying

Sunday, April 21

8am: The Chinese Grand Prix

*All times BST*

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This weekend in Shanghai will mark the first Sprint Race of the 2024 F1 Calendar

Where to watch and how to follow?

Mail Sport will be providing live coverage of the Japanese Grand Prix so you can keep up-to-date with all the latest developments here.

All of this weekend’s F1 action will also be available for viewing on Sky Sports F1.

From the very first practice session to the Sprint Race to the Grand Prix itself.

Fans will also be able to stream the race live on the official Sky Go app.

Highlights of the action will be uploaded to the official Formula One YouTube channel after the race.