F1 Academy China 2025: Women Racers Kick Off in Shanghai!

The F1 Academy China 2025 season blasts off this weekend, March 21-23, at the Shanghai International Circuit, marking the third year of the all-female Formula 4 series and its debut in China. As the first of seven rounds supporting the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship, this opener coincides with the F1 Chinese GP sprint weekend, putting young female talent front and centre on the 5.451 km track.

With a record 18-car grid featuring returning stars and bold newcomers, F1 Academy China 2025 promises fierce racing and a fresh chapter for women in motorsport. Driver Digest SA is here to guide SA fans through the action. Let’s meet the future of F1!

F1 Academy China 2025: Track Details

The F1 Academy China 2025 season opener takes place at the Shanghai International Circuit, a 5.451 km (3.387 mi) track in Shanghai’s Jiading District, hosting the series’ debut round from March 21-23 alongside the F1 Chinese GP.

Designed by Hermann Tilke and launched in 2004 at a cost of $450 million, this circuit’s layout mimics the Chinese character “shang” (meaning “upwards”), blending cultural symbolism with a demanding racing challenge. For F1 Academy’s Formula 4 cars—powered by 174 hp Tatuus-Autotecnica hybrids—the track’s 16 corners and long straights offer a unique test of skill and strategy.

The circuit features three distinct sectors. Sector 1 kicks off with the tightening Turns 1-2, a 270-degree right-hander that spirals inward, followed by the quick left-right of Turns 3-4—low-speed corners that punish oversteer and demand precise throttle control. Sector 2 mixes the slow Turn 6 with medium-speed Turns 7-8, a high-G right-left combo that’s a driver favourite but brutal on necks and tyres, especially the left-front.

Sector 3 starts with the slow-to-medium Turns 11-13, a radial corner opening onto the 1.2 km back straight—one of F1’s longest—where slipstreaming and late braking into the tight Turn 14 hairpin create prime overtaking chances. Turn 16, a fast left, rounds out the lap.

Resurfaced in 2024, the track’s smoother asphalt reduces bumps but retains its low-grip nature, evolving fast over the weekend—a factor F1 Academy teams must nail with limited practice. For the 13-lap races (70.863 km each), Pirelli supplies medium-compound slick tyres with wet options if Shanghai’s fickle March weather turns rainy.

Elevation changes are minimal, but the circuit’s 1,170-meter straight and twisty sections demand a balanced setup: grip for the corners, speed for the straight. With a capacity of 200,000 and paddock buildings styled like pavilions in a lake, the Shanghai International Circuit sets a grand stage for F1 Academy China 2025’s emerging female stars!

What to Expect from F1 Academy China 2025

The F1 Academy China 2025 season opener, racing from March 21-23 at the Shanghai International Circuit, kicks off the third year of this all-female Formula 4 series with a turbo-charged debut. As the first of seven rounds supporting the F1 Chinese GP sprint weekend, this event brings a beefed-up 18-car grid to the 5.451 km track, promising South African fans a weekend of fierce racing and fresh talent. With today, Saturday, March 22, already underway, expect the F1 Academy China 2025 to deliver tight battles and breakout stars on motorsport’s brightest stage.

Without 2024 champ Abbi Pulling—who’s moved to GB3—new leaders will emerge. Look for PREMA’s Tina Hausmann (Aston Martin) or Doriane Pin (Mercedes) to challenge for the top, their experience tested by newcomers like South Africa’s wildcard Tasmin Pepper (if entered) or Alpine’s Lola Lovinfosse. The sprint format— one practice, Qualifying, and two 13-lap races—means no room for error on Shanghai’s low-grip, resurfaced asphalt. Turn 14’s hairpin after the 1.2 km straight will spark overtakes, but watch for chaos if rookies misjudge braking. Tyre wear on medium slicks could force bold strategies in the dry, mild March conditions (15-20°C).

Points (25-18-15 for Race 1 and Race 2 top three, plus pole and fastest lap bonuses) are up for grabs, alongside a $150,000 prize and F1 team eyes. Expect raw speed in Sector 3’s straights, precision in Sector 1’s tight turns, and survival in Sector 2’s high-G corners. With no men’s series stealing focus, F1 Academy China 2025 puts these women front and centre. SA fans, get ready for a new queen to rise!

F1 Academy China 2025: Event Schedule

The F1 Academy China 2025 season opener is tearing up the Shanghai International Circuit from March 21-23, marking the first round of the 2025 all-female Formula 4 series alongside the F1 Chinese GP sprint weekend.

As of today, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:53 AM SAST, some sessions are already in the books, while others are still revving up. Below is the full schedule, adjusted to SAST (South African Standard Time, UTC+2), which trails Shanghai’s CST (China Standard Time, UTC+8) by 6 hours. All times reflect the compact sprint weekend format supporting the F1 event.

• Friday, March 21, 2025
  • Free Practice: 4:30 AM – 5:10 AM SAST (10:30 AM – 11:10 AM CST)
    The lone 40-minute practice session gave the 18-car grid their first taste of the resurfaced 5.451 km track. Already done—early pace-setters like PREMA’s Doriane Pin likely shone, based on testing form.
  • Qualifying: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM SAST (2:30 PM – 3:00 PM CST)
    A 30-minute shootout set the grids for both Race 1 and Race 2. Completed yesterday—check results for who snagged pole (Pin? Hausmann?) on this low-grip circuit.
• Saturday, March 22, 2025
  • Race 1: 7:50 AM – 8:20 AM SAST (1:50 PM – 2:20 PM CST)
    The first 13-lap (70.863 km) battle kicked off earlier today—finished by now at 10:53 AM SAST. With points for the top 8 (25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1) plus fastest lap, expect a tight scrap. Results should be out—did a rookie surprise?
• Sunday, March 23, 2025
  • Race 2: 5:50 AM – 6:20 AM SAST (11:50 AM – 12:20 PM CST)
    The second 13-lap race starts with a partially reversed grid from Qualifying (top 8 flipped), adding spice to the 30-minute showdown. Points mirror Race 1, with bonuses for pole (2 points from Qualifying) and fastest lap. Set your alarm, SA fans—it’s an early one!

The F1 Academy China 2025 schedule squeezes two races into a busy F1 sprint weekend, with Friday’s practice and Qualifying already history as of 10:53 AM SAST today. Race 1’s done, and Race 2 tomorrow at 5:50 AM SAST wraps it up. With no extra test sessions here, it’s all about raw racing, perfect for showcasing these rising stars on Shanghai’s iconic layout!

How to Watch F1 Academy China 2025 in South Africa

South African fans can catch the F1 Academy China 2025 season opener, racing from March 21-23 at the Shanghai International Circuit, through multiple platforms as the all-female Formula 4 series kicks off alongside the F1 Chinese GP. Today, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM SAST, Race 1 is already done, but there’s still Sunday’s Race 2 to enjoy. Here’s how to watch F1 Academy China 2025 live or stay updated from SA.

• DStv SuperSport Channel 215: SuperSport 215, airing the F1 Chinese GP weekend, includes F1 Academy coverage. The DStv app streams it too if you’re subscribed.
• F1 TV: F1 TV Pro delivers every F1 Academy China 2025 moment live—Free Practice, Qualifying, and both races—plus replays and onboard views. Catch Race 1’s replay now and Race 2 live tomorrow at 5:50 AM SAST.
• F1 Academy: The official F1 Academy website provides free live timing and post-race updates, while the F1 Academy YouTube channel posts highlights and clips shortly after sessions. No live streams, but expect Race 1’s best moments today and Race 2 recaps by Sunday afternoon—subscribe for instant alerts.

With SuperSport 215 leading the charge, F1 TV offering full access, and the F1 Academy’s digital platforms filling gaps, SA fans have no excuse to miss F1 Academy China 2025. Race 2’s 5:50 AM SAST start tomorrow is your next live hit—tune in to cheer on the future of racing!

Shanghai Sparks a Female Racing Revolution!

The F1 Academy China 2025 season opener at Shanghai International Circuit, racing from March 21-23, has set the stage ablaze as the third year of this all-female Formula 4 series kicks off with a bang. With Race 1 already in the books today, Saturday, March 22, 2025, and Race 2 looming tomorrow at 5:50 AM SAST, the 18-car grid is proving women belong in motorsport’s fast lane.

From the tight Turns 1-2 to the high-speed 1.2 km straight, F1 Academy China 2025 blends raw talent with Shanghai’s iconic layout—think overtakes, upsets, and a new era dawning. Whether you’re watching on SuperSport 215, F1 TV, or catching highlights online, Driver Digest SA has every lap of this groundbreaking weekend covered!

Call to Action: Want more from these trailblazing racers? Check out our F1 Academy category at Driver Digest SA for race recaps, driver spotlights, and all things F1 Academy!