Chinese F1 Grand Prix 2017: Start Time, Drivers, TV Schedule and More

The weather could play a major role at the 2017 Chinese Grand Prix in Formula One on Sunday, after low cloud, rain and smog hampered practice at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Sebastian Vettel will be attempting to further his lead at the top of the standings after claiming victory in the first race of the season on Australian soil.

However, further bad weather is predicted for Sunday's main event, raising concerns over safety, according to Andrew Benson of BBC Sport.

Here is how you can catch the action:

Date: Sunday, April 9

Time: 7 a.m BST/2 a.m. ET

TV: Sky Sports F1 (UK only), NBC (U.S. only)

Stream: Sky Go, NBC Sports Live

Driver List: visit Formula1.com

Preview

JOHANNES EISELE/Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton will be seeking swift revenge on Vettel after the German claimed maximum points in Melbourne, Australia.

The Brit was favourite to win the race, but Ferrari maximised their strategy and pace, and they pushed the Silver Arrows out of contention.

If the iconic manufacturer's race win was a shock, they now appear to have the chance to shape the world championship to their advantage as Mercedes tune their new vehicle and driving team.

Ferrari last won in China in 2013, courtesy of Fernando Alonso. However, the Scuderia have finally produced a vehicle that can match the power of Mercedes' best, storming down the longest straights with venom.

GREG BAKER/Getty Images

Rain could be the deciding factor on Sunday, and Hamilton is known to be one of the top drivers on the grid in adverse weather.

His aggression could be the difference if the sun refuses to shine, with heavy showers predicted overnight before the race.

If the track is dry, then the increased grip could give Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen increased hope, and the German has already proved he can live with Hamilton when the British driver fires off from pole position.

The alliance between McLaren and Honda has yet to prove fruitful, and the team are likely to struggle again in China.

Honda simply do not have the power to back the skills of Alonso, and it could be a miserable start to the campaign for the former world champion.