Chinese Grand Prix: A look back at the highlights since its introduction to F1

2004: A first winner in red

The inaugural edition of the Chinese Grand Prix took place on September 26, 2004. On a technical and tricky circuit, Rubens Barrichello, then a Ferrari driver, won brilliantly. The Brazilian dominated the race from start to finish, resisting attacks from Jenson Button and Kimi Räikkönen. This first edition marked China’s successful entry into Formula 1.

2005: Alonso and Renault world champions

A year later, Fernando Alonso and Renault sealed their domination by winning the race. This victory allows Renault to clinch its first constructors’ title, while Alonso confirms his status as world champion.

2006: Schumacher’s Last Victory

Michael Schumacher, in pursuit of an eighth world title, delivers a legendary race in 2006. Starting from sixth position, he takes advantage of the unpredictable weather conditions to gradually climb up, beating the Renaults of Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella thanks to a perfectly executed pit stop strategy. This would be his last success in Formula 1 with this 91st victory.

2009: Red Bull Enters the Legend

The 2009 edition is marked by extreme weather conditions. The pouring rain turns the race into a true challenge for the drivers. Sebastian Vettel, at the wheel of the Red Bull RB5, delivers a masterful performance in the rain. He dominates the event from start to finish and secures Red Bull Racing’s first victory in Formula 1 history. His teammate Mark Webber completes the one-two, thus initiating an era of success for the Austrian team.

2012: Rosberg and Mercedes, a first success since 1955

Nico Rosberg delivers a stellar performance in 2012. After securing his first career pole position, he converts this opportunity into a clear victory, offering Mercedes its first success as a constructor since 1955. A victory that foreshadows the German team’s domination in the years to come.

2018: Ricciardo, a masterclass in strategy

The 2018 edition will be remembered as one of the most exciting in the history of the Chinese Grand Prix. Daniel Ricciardo, taking advantage of an audacious Red Bull strategy, changed tires under a safety car period and executed a spectacular comeback. With overtakes of surgical precision, he claimed victory after starting only sixth on the grid, providing fans with an unforgettable moment of bravado.

2019: A historic race, the 1000th F1 Grand Prix

The 2019 Chinese Grand Prix is symbolic: it marks the 1000th race in the history of the Formula 1 World Championship. Lewis Hamilton leaves no chance for his rivals and wins with mastery. He finishes ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel, thus consolidating his status as a favorite for the world title.

2024: The long-awaited return and the domination of Verstappen

After four years of absence, the Chinese Grand Prix returns in 2024. Max Verstappen dominates, controlling the race from start to finish. The Grand Prix was marked by the retirement of Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber) due to an engine problem on lap 19, which resulted in a virtual safety car period, followed by a safety car. On the restart, a collision involving Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Daniel Ricciardo (Racing Bulls) led to the retirement of the latter. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) was also penalized ten seconds for causing a collision with Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls), resulting in Tsunoda’s retirement.

2025: A New Battle on the Horizon?

As the 2025 season has just resumed with a victory by Lando Norris at the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, the Chinese Grand Prix promises to be thrilling. Will Verstappen be able to pull off the feat again? Find out this weekend at the Shanghai circuit.

With its unique layout and often unpredictable weather conditions, the Chinese Grand Prix has made its mark in Formula 1 history and promises many more twists and turns in the future.