Formula 1 returns to the world-renowned Shanghai International Circuit for the highly anticipated Chinese Grand Prix. This year’s event carries even more significance as it hosts the first Sprint weekend of 2026.
As the second round of a revolutionary Formula 1 2026 season, this race weekend kicks off on Friday, March 13, bringing the grid back to one of the most technical and demanding tracks in the world.
Expect high drama through to the main event’s finale on Sunday, March 15, as drivers push the limits of their new power units on Shanghai’s massive 1.2km straight.
You can watch China GP in Ireland for free on ORF TV and RTBF. The race will also be shown on Sky Sports and ESPN+ for a paid subscription.
However, these streaming services, except Sky Sports, are geo-restricted and unavailable in Ireland.
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When & Where is the Chinese Grand Prix Happening?
- Date: March 13 – 15, 2026
- Main Race Time: 7:00 AM (GMT)
- Total number of Drivers: 22
- Location: Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China
- Where to Watch: Sky Sports (UK and Ireland), ORF TV (Austria), RTBF (Belgium), and ESPN+ (US)
How to Watch China GP in Ireland for Free
ORF TVthek is an Austrian streaming service by the ORF channel. On ORF TVthek. In Austria, the 2026 Formula 1 broadcasting rights are split between ORF and Servus TV.
They split the 24-race calendar equally, with each broadcaster showing 12 races live. For the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, the live broadcast rights belong to ORF.
Since the service is only available in Austria, you must use a VPN to watch China Grand Prix in Ireland on ORF TVthek. Here’s how:
Step 1: Subscribe to a good VPN (Surfshark is our #1 choice)
Step 2: Download the Surfshark VPN App and install it on your laptop
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the Austrian serverÂ
Step 4: Go to ORF TVthek and click on Profile icon
Step 5: Click on Register
Step 6: Click on Sign in with Media Key
Step 7: Click on Create an account
Step 8: Enter your email address and create password
Step 9:Â Confirm your email address
Step 10: Click on further to redirect towards homepage
Step 11: Search and select Formula 1 China GP. Enjoy free live streaming once the China Grand Prix is on air!
3 Ways to Watch China GP in Ireland
Below are the three recommended streaming services to watch China GP in Ireland:
1. RTBF (Free)
RTBF is Belgium’s public service broadcaster with exclusive rights to air Formula 1 in French until 2027.
You can watch the China Grand Prix practice sessions, sprint races, and final race live and for free! However, RTBF is geo-restricted.
To access it in Ireland, you’ll need to connect to a Belgian server using a VPN. Surfshark is our #1 choice.
2. Sky Sports (Premium)
Sky Sports is a network of live channels that broadcasts sports in the UK and Ireland. It will also broadcast all Chinese GP races on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event.
You can subscribe to Sky Sports channels for €37/mo, and catch all the China Grand Prix action, from practice sessions to the final race.
Alternatively, you can get the Sky Sports Channels with NOW subscriptions, starting from €14.99 a month, giving you access to all 12 Sky Sports channels.Â
Read More:Â How to Watch Sky Sports in Ireland
3. ESPN+ (Premium)
Another recommended way to watch the China Grand Prix is ESPN+ (renamed as ESPN Select). It is an American sports streaming service.
The service has official rights to broadcast F1 races, including the China Grand Prix. It also offers live streaming of UFC, tennis, cricket, baseball, football, etc.
You can watch live matches, on-demand highlights, replays, and the China Grand Prix 2026 news on ESPN+ for $12.99/month. .
Unfortunately, due to geo-restrictions, you can only access ESPN+ in the United States. However, use a VPN like Surfshark to watch ESPN+ in Ireland.
Read More: How to Watch ESPN in Ireland
Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Schedule
Here is the schedule of upcoming Chinese GP events:
| Session | Date | Time (Ireland / GMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Practice 1 | Friday, March 13 | 3:30 AM – 4:30 AM |
| Sprint Qualifying | Friday, March 13 | 7:30 AM – 8:14 AM |
| Sprint Race | Saturday, March 14 | 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM |
| Qualifying | Saturday, March 14 | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Grand Prix (56 Laps) | Sunday, March 15 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
How to Watch Chinese Grand Prix in Ireland on Mobile Phones
You can download the Now TV app to watch the Chinese GP in Ireland on your mobile phone. Here’s how to watch the China GP on mobile through Sky Sports:
Step 1: Download the Now TV app from the Play Store or APK
Step 2: Open the app and click on the sidebar
Step 3: Choose Sports Membership
Step 4: Select your plan and click Claim offer
Step 5: Click Checkout
Step 6: Create your account by clicking Continue to checkout or sign in with your existing one
Step 7: Enter your credentials
Step 8: Choose your payment plan and enter your credentials to subscribe. Enjoy streaming!
Teams in Chinese Grand Prix 2026
Here is the full confirmed grid for the 2026 Formula 1 Season:
- Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar
- Mercedes:Â George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
- Ferrari:Â Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
- McLaren:Â Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
- Aston Martin:Â Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
- Audi: Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
- Williams:Â Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
- Alpine:Â Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto
- Haas:Â Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman
- Racing Bulls:Â Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad
- Cadillac: Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas
Other Sports to Watch in Ireland
If you enjoy watching sports, we recommend some sports:
- How to Watch UFC in Ireland
- How to Watch Serie A in Ireland
- How to Watch Davis Cup in Ireland
- How to Watch Boxing in Ireland
- How to Watch British Masters in Ireland
- How to Watch American Rugby in Ireland
FAQs – Chinese Grand Prix
1. Who has won the most Chinese Grand Prix?
Lewis Hamilton has won the most Chinese Grand Prix, which is a total of six titles.
2. Which constructor has the most Chinese Grand Prix winning titles?
Mercedes has the most China Grand Prix winning titles, which is a total of six.
3. When in 2026 Chinese GP?
The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix is scheduled for this coming weekend, from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, 2026.
4. Where can I watch 2026 Chinese GP in Ireland?
You can watch Chinese GP in Ireland on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event vis Sky TV or Now TV subscription.
Conclusion
Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix 2026 is scheduled for March 13th to 15th, 2026 at Shanghai International Circuit, China.
You can watch Chinese GP in Ireland live on Sky Sports with a premium subscription. Other streaming methods are ESPN+ (paid), RTBF (free), and ORF TVÂ (free).
Unfortunately, most of these services are geo-restricted outside their broadcasting regions. Therefore, we recommend Surfshark to access the mentioned services in Ireland.
