Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Live: Watch with Alex Jacques on Sky Sports F1, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live

Match date: 15 March 2026

Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Live: Watch with Alex Jacques on Sky Sports F1, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live

The 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix is underway at the Shanghai International Circuit with extensive coverage across the UK's leading sports broadcasters. Sky Sports F1 offers the most comprehensive viewing experience with David Croft on commentary, supported by Anthony Davidson and Bernie Collins, while Simon Lazenby presents from the studio alongside Rachel Brookes. The team includes punditry from Jamie Chadwick, Jacques Villeneuve, and Anthony Davidson, with Ted Kravitz and Craig Slater reporting from trackside.

For viewers without Sky Sports access, Channel 4 and All4 (geo-restricted) are providing highlights coverage with Lee McKenzie presenting. Alex Jacques leads commentary duties with co-commentators Jolyon Palmer and David Coulthard, while Damon Hill provides expert analysis and Ariana Bravo reports from the circuit. This offering provides free-to-air access to the race action for UK viewers, making it an accessible alternative to premium subscription services.

Radio listeners can follow the action on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, where Harry Benjamin provides main commentary with Sam Bird as co-commentator and Andrew Benson offering expert insight. The F1 TV subscription service (geo-restricted) features Betty Glover as presenter with Alex Jacques and Jolyon Palmer on commentary, supported by additional co-commentators David Coulthard and Ruth Buscombe, alongside reporters Mike Seymour and Chris Medland.

The race takes place at the Shanghai International Circuit, a 5.451-kilometre track designed by Hermann Tilke that has hosted Formula 1 since 2004. The circuit is renowned for its unique opening complex featuring spiralling corners that tighten into a slow apex, high-speed corners at Turns 7 and 8, and one of the longest straights on the Formula 1 calendar stretching 1.2 kilometres between Turns 13 and 14. The Chinese Grand Prix made its return to the F1 calendar in 2024 following a five-year absence and has secured a contract to remain on the schedule through 2030.

Alex Jacques, who commentates for both Sky Sports F1 and F1 TV, brings extensive experience from his long tenure as a lead voice in Formula 1 broadcasting. David Coulthard, the co-commentator across multiple channels, leverages his distinguished racing career, having competed in Formula 1 for teams including Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Jolyon Palmer, who also features prominently across broadcasts, brings insight from his own F1 racing experience with Lotus and Renault, whilst Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, provides strategic analysis for Channel 4 viewers.

The race distance covers 56 laps totalling 305 kilometres. Historically, Lewis Hamilton holds the most wins at Shanghai with six victories (2008, 2011, 2014-2015, 2017, 2019), whilst current grid members including Fernando Alonso (2005, 2013), Max Verstappen (2024), and Oscar Piastri (2025) have all tasted success at the venue. The lap record stands at 1:32.238, set by Michael Schumacher in 2004.

With comprehensive coverage across premium, free-to-air, and radio platforms, British viewers have multiple options to follow the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix. Whether choosing Sky Sports F1's premium offering, Channel 4's highlights coverage, BBC Radio 5 Live's audio commentary, or F1 TV's global feed, the race provides extensive access to one of Formula 1's most technically demanding and historically significant venues. Learn more about the Shanghai International Circuit and 2026 race details.

Article generated: 15 March 2026, 07:01 GMT