The 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix is being held March 13–15 at the Shanghai International Circuit. The first two days feature the Sprint Race and qualifying, with the main race scheduled for the afternoon of March 15.
Season Changes
The 2026 F1 season introduces major rule and technical updates, and the grid has expanded to 11 teams and 22 drivers competing.
Citywide Celebration
Alongside the race, Shanghai launched the 2026 Shanghai Auto Culture Festival, themed "Accelerating Toward the Future." The event promotes the slogan "Global Fans, Pit Stop in Jiading," turning the F1 weekend into a citywide celebration of automotive culture.
Urban Integration
Organized by the Jiading District government, the festival integrates F1 racing, city activities, commercial resources, and automotive culture, extending the excitement beyond the racetrack into Shanghai's urban districts, from the Bund to Jiading.
Major Carnival Activities
The festival features four major sections and around 30 themed events, creating a citywide program combining sports, culture, tourism, and commerce.
Fan Experiences in Jiading
Around the circuit and across Jiading New City, activities include automotive history exhibitions, interactive fan experiences, and a Formula 1 fan market with racing simulators and themed merchandise.
Citywide Attractions
At the Bund, a large F1-themed "Checkered Flag Carnival" showcases rare vehicles—including the Ferrari 488 China Dragon edition—along with racing-themed games, exhibitions, and live band performances.
Fan Engagement
Zhou Guanyu, China's first Formula One driver, also appeared at the Bund carnival to interact with fans and share his racing experiences.
Long-term Goals
Beyond the race weekend, the Jiading-led initiative aims to promote automotive culture, support the development of Shanghai's automotive industry ecosystem, and strengthen the city's global motorsport culture through education, exhibitions, and industry collaboration.
Industry Platform
The carnival also serves as a networking platform for automakers, parts suppliers, and cultural brands, highlighting new automotive technologies while fostering cooperation across the industry chain.
