Shanghai revved up for sell-out GP

Freshly renovated circuit ready to welcome more than 200,000 fans

The newly renovated Shanghai International Circuit is ready to welcome the Chinese Grand Prix on March 21. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The 2025 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix is sell-out, with more than 200,000 visitors set to enjoy the high-octane action from March 21-23 when the flag drops at the Shanghai International Circuit.

During a visit to the circuit on Tuesday, Huang Ming, general manager of Shanghai Juss Event Management Co Ltd, revealed that the spectator area has been increased, with an additional 17,000 seats, all of which have been sold out. Notably, there has been a significant increase in female attendees, who will comprise around 35 percent of the weekend's audience.

Last year's F1 Chinese Grand Prix drew nearly 200,000 on-site visitors, generating a direct economic impact of 1.4 billion yuan ($194 million), with an output effect of 3.9 billion yuan and boosting the six main tourism industries — food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment — by 1.6 billion yuan.

"This year, we anticipate an even greater impact," Huang stated.

The Shanghai leg, the second round of the 2025 season, will feature ten teams: McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Racing Bulls, Williams, and Kick Sauber.

This season promises fierce competition, especially between Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who's aiming for his fifth world championship, and MacLaren's British driver, Lando Norris, who claimed first blood against the Dutchman in the race to the title with his win in the wet at last week's Australian Grand Prix. Fans will also be hoping to see Lewis Hamilton get to grips with his new Ferrari after a disappointing debut for the Scuderia in Melbourne.