How to Watch the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix: Live TV and Streaming Guide

Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history by securing his first career pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix, becoming the youngest-ever pole-sitter at 19 years and 201 days. The 2026 season's second race from the Shanghai International Circuit airs early Sunday morning for European viewers, with Ferrari looking strong after a competitive Sprint performance to challenge the Mercedes front row.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's stunning qualifying lap for Mercedes signals the arrival of a potential new superstar and shakes up the established competitive order early in the new 2026 regulatory era. For fans, accessing the race requires navigating regional broadcasters, with key differences between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The details:

• Historic Pole Position: Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) starts P1, with teammate George Russell alongside on the front row. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) fill the second row.
• Broadcast Information - Germany: Exclusive live coverage is on Sky Deutschland (pay-TV) and its streaming services Sky GO and WOW. The race starts at 08:00 CET.
• Broadcast Information - Austria: ServusTV provides free-to-air coverage and a live stream via ServusTV On.
• Broadcast Information - Switzerland: SRF 2 airs the race live for free. The channel does not broadcast the practice sessions.
• Other Key Grid Spots: McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris start from row three. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, struggling for pace, will start eighth. Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) starts 11th, just outside the points positions.

What's next:

The lights go out at the Shanghai International Circuit at 08:00 CET on Sunday. The key narrative will be whether Antonelli can convert his historic pole into a maiden victory and if Ferrari's race pace can overcome Mercedes' qualifying advantage. For those who miss the live action, highlight replays will air on ServusTV and Sky Sports F1 later on Sunday.