Might F1 be in for a wet race upon its return to China?

Weather reports indicate F1 could be set for a weekend of changeable conditions, with a risk of rain on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

With F1's return to China having been selected as one of six sprint weekends on the 2024 calendar, there is double the chance of rain affecting a race at the Shanghai International Circuit.

It is expected to be a sunny start to the weekend with clouds rolling in over the afternoon. However, both FP1 and the sprint shootout are expected to be 22°C, with consistently moderate winds expected in both sessions. The potential of rain will increase throughout the day, with precipitation likely in the evening and overnight - the chance of rain on Friday has been set at 60 percent.

Heading into Saturday, conditions are expected to improve from a wet start. It is not yet known if that will affect the sprint race itself, but the likelihood is that grand prix qualifying will have dry weather running.

Moderate winds are again expected throughout the day, however, they will have shifted from southerly to northeasterly winds overnight, changing conditions for the drivers. The sprint should be 20°C with a 1° improvement for the afternoon. The chance of rain for the day is 80 percent.

Conditions on Sunday are looking more stable, with low cloud dissipating by the afternoon to allow for bright sky and dry conditions for the race. Wind is predicted to reduce but shift slightly to a northerly direction, whilst there is only a 20 percent chance of rain for the race. Temperatures are expected to remain in the low 20s, at 21 or 22°C.