The Formula 1 weather forecast for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix has been released, with early indications suggesting a small chance of mixed conditions on race day.
Current projections point to a slight possibility of rain on Sunday, while mild spring temperatures are expected throughout the second race weekend of the season.
Chinese GP weather forecast: What are conditions like for Friday?
Friday, 13 March
FP1 (11:30am local / 3:30am UK) and Sprint Qualifying (3:30pm local / 7:30am UK)
Friday is expected to bring relatively mild conditions, with hazy sunshine forecast across Shanghai.
Rain is not expected, with the chance currently sitting at 0%. A light southwesterly breeze is predicted, while air temperatures should sit between 12–13°C during FP1 before rising slightly to around 15°C for Sprint Qualifying later in the day.
Chinese GP weather forecast: What are conditions like for Saturday?
Saturday, 14 March
Sprint (11:00am local / 3:00am UK) and Qualifying (3:00pm local / 7:00am UK)
Winds are expected to strengthen compared to Friday, with gusts potentially reaching 20mph. Drivers may need to factor the stronger wind into braking zones and high-speed corners.
Despite the increased wind, sunshine is still expected throughout the day. Temperatures are forecast to reach around 15°C during the Sprint race, rising to approximately 17°C by the time qualifying for the Grand Prix begins.
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Chinese GP race weather forecast: What are conditions like for race day?
Sunday, 15 March
Early forecasts suggest a small chance of rain on Sunday, which could introduce mixed conditions for the Grand Prix. Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-teens, similar to the rest of the weekend, though cloud cover may increase as the race approaches.
As for the potential impact on the race, forecasts currently suggest only a small risk of rain on Sunday, with roughly a 20% chance of precipitation during the Chinese Grand Prix.
That means the race is more likely to stay dry, but teams will still keep a close eye on conditions in case a brief shower develops. Even a short burst of rain at the Shanghai circuit could dramatically influence strategy, tyre choices and track grip levels.
Wet races have occurred in China before, so while the possibility is there, the probability remains relatively low at this stage. Teams will likely prepare wet-weather strategies just in case, but at the moment the expectation is for a cool, mostly cloudy race day with only a slight rain threat.