Formula 1 has announced a landmark extension with the promoters of the Chinese Grand Prix, ensuring the Shanghai race will remain on the calendar until at least 2030.
The new five-year deal was signed during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, extending the current agreement, which was set to expire after the 2025 edition.
The Chinese Grand Prix, first introduced in 2004, has become a staple of the F1 calendar, celebrated for its state-of-the-art 5.45km Shanghai International Circuit and its ability to draw global attention to one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race returned this year to commemorate its 20th anniversary, with local fans cheering on one of their own – Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu – for the very first time.
F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali welcomed the renewed partnership, reflecting on the sport’s growing fanbase in China.
“Our return to China this season for the first time since 2019 was a fantastic moment for the sport, and it is incredible to see the levels of support that we enjoy in the country continuing to grow year-on-year," Domenicali said.
"Shanghai is an incredible city, and the racetrack is a wonderful test for our drivers, so I am delighted that Formula 1 will continue its successful partnership with the Chinese Grand Prix for a further five years. I want to thank our promoter for their continued commitment and passion, and I look forward to returning to Shanghai in the new year.”
Guo Jianfei, chairman of the Jiushi Group, which oversees the event, emphasized the broader societal impact of the Grand Prix and its role in showcasing Shanghai’s prominence on the global stage.
“For many years, Jiushi Group and our subsidiary, Juss Sports, have always adhered to our original intention to strive for the excellence in event organization, and this renewal is a testament to that,” Guo said.
“It is excellent news for fans in China and is a perfect platform to showcase Shanghai to the world as millions tune in on TV globally.”
Guo also spoke about the transformative influence of the event, noting its contribution to innovation and social development.
“We fully understand that a successful Grand Prix is not only an exciting race event, but also a driving force for the whole society to develop in a more positive direction,” he added.
“In the future, we will continue to optimize the event experience through innovation and achieve a sustainable contribution to the society.”
Looking ahead, the Chinese Grand Prix is set to take place earlier in the 2025 season, moving to March 23 as the second race of the calendar, just a week after the Australian Grand Prix. It will also host the season’s first sprint event, adding to the anticipation for fans.
Despite the absence of Zhou Guanyu, who will not return to the grid next season after three years with Sauber, the enthusiasm for F1 in China remains robust.
With millions of fans across the country, the new deal ensures that Shanghai will continue to play a central role in the sport’s global expansion and its efforts to reach new audiences.
As F1 looks ahead to another decade in China, the partnership underscores a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, with the Shanghai International Circuit poised to remain a marquee destination for racing fans worldwide.
When Charles Leclerc first grappled with the early digital ghosts of the Ferrari SF-26 in…
After Lando Norris debuted McLaren’s new car on Wednesday in Barcelona, the baton was passed…
The pristine asphalt of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has long been the ultimate truth-teller for…
Aston Martin finally revealed its 2026 challenger, the AMR26, on Thursday afternoon at the Circuit…
Mercedes provided its rivals with another definitive reality check on Thursday in Barcelona, with George…
Lewis Hamilton finally unleashed Ferrari’s SF-26 in the dry on Thursday in Barcelona, racking up…