The Shanghai International Circuit is set to host the second round of the 2025 Formula 1 season this weekend, marking the highly anticipated Chinese Grand Prix. Taking place from March 21 to March 23, the event will feature both traditional races and the newly introduced sprint format, as detailed by DAZN's broadcast schedule.
Following the opening Australian Grand Prix, where Lando Norris clinched victory under challenging weather conditions, fans are eager to see if he can maintain his momentum. Norris, driving for McLaren, turned heads not just by winning but by challenging longtime frontrunner Max Verstappen, who managed to secure second place. Verstappen has been at the top of the F1 driver rankings since May 22, 2022, but Norris's win could potentially disrupt this status.
The Chinese GP will include numerous sessions broadcast live on DAZN, starting with the F1 Academy Free Practice at 10:05 AM on March 21, followed by F1 Free Practice 1 at 12:25 PM on the same day. Also featured on the schedule are the qualifiers and races for both the main event and the supporting F1 Academy series, which caters to female drivers and promises detailed commentary.
Specifically, the DAZN broadcast schedule includes:
- March 21, 2025: F1 Academy Free Practice at 10:05 AM
- March 21, 2025: F1 Free Practice 1 at 12:25 PM
- March 21, 2025: F1 Academy Qualifying at 15:05 PM
- March 21, 2025: F1 Sprint Qualifying at 16:25 PM
- March 22, 2025: F1 Sprint at 11:30 AM
- March 22, 2025: F1 Academy Race 1 at 14:55 PM
- March 22, 2025: F1 Qualifying at 15:55 PM
- March 23, 2025: F1 Academy Race 2 at 11:45 AM
- March 23, 2025: F1 Race at 15:20 PM
This weekend's weather forecast predicts clear skies for Shanghai, allowing for potentially exciting and competitive races without the interruptions of rain, unlike the previous round.
Meanwhile, the FIA has announced stricter regulations for the rear wing tests due to findings from the Australian GP. Surveillance and analysis revealed potential exploitation of wing flexibility by teams beyond the allowable limits. Following their review, the FIA has narrowed the error margin for compliance as per Regulation 3.15.17 from two millimeters to just 0.5 mm, creating stricter requirements for the rear wing’s performance under load. This change is expected to impact team strategies significantly as they adapt to the updated regulations starting with the Chinese GP.
Team principal statements highlight the urgency and pressures resulting from the imposed regulations, reminding teams to uphold technical integrity. “The FIA has requested teams to use cameras during free practice to monitor deformation,” as they work to maintain fairness and compliance.
With the revised regulations set to take effect this weekend, teams are on high alert to adjust their designs and tactics to avoid any penalties.
Looking to the broadcasting options for this season, both DAZN and Fuji Television NEXT provide coverage of the 2025 F1 season. DAZN offers multiple subscription plans, including the DMM x DAZN Holday at approximately 3,480 yen per month, which provides access to both F1 and various entertainment content. On the other hand, Fuji Television NEXT remains the most economical option at just 1,980 yen monthly, appealing to those focused solely on motorsports.
Fans are advised to prepare well for the upcoming races, carefully considering their viewing options for the season. DAZN's price structure offers significant versatility and the potential for savings, especially for viewers interested in sports beyond F1.
This confluence of thrilling races and regulatory drama anticipates to make the Chinese GP weekend not only entertaining but consequential. Will Lando Norris's newfound success continue, or will Max Verstappen reclaim his iron grip on the lead with strategic skill? Only time will tell as the teams prepare to hit the track.
With fireworks expected both on and off the track this weekend, fans are eagerly taking their positions to witness what promises to be another exhilarating chapter of the 2025 F1 season.
