Shanghai, December 6 (IANS). Formula 1 has announced a five-year extension of the Chinese Grand Prix, ensuring the iconic Shanghai International Circuit will remain on the calendar until the 2030 season.
The announcement follows the successful return of Formula 1 to Shanghai in 2024 after a five-year hiatus. The event attracted 200,000 fans and saw Max Verstappen dominate the sprint and the main Grand Prix, making the race one of the highlights of the season.
Since its first race in 2004, which was won by Rubens Barrichello, the 5.45 km Shanghai International Circuit has been known for its unique layout and technical challenges, with its signature corners, such as the tight sequence of Turns 1 and 2, and the high-speed descents. The speedy, high-G Turns 7 and 8 are a hit with the drivers and provide thrilling action on track.
The circuit has produced 10 different winners over the years, with Lewis Hamilton’s six wins and Fernando Alonso’s two wins being the best performances among current drivers.
The contract extension comes at a time when Formula 1 is enjoying unprecedented growth in China. The number of fans has exceeded 150 million, with more than half of those fans starting their F1 journey in the last four years. Notably, this audience is 50 per cent female, reflecting the sport’s widespread appeal.
Highlighting this growth in viewership, TV viewership in 2024 is set to increase by 39 per cent compared to the average for the 2023 season. On social media, Formula 1 has added more than one million followers on platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, Toutiao and Douyin, bringing its total Chinese digital audience to 4.4 million.
The Chinese Grand Prix will feature prominently on the 2025 calendar, scheduled for March 21-23 as the second round of the season. It will also host the first sprint event of the year as well as the inaugural round of the F1 Academy, adding to the significance of the weekend.
–IANS
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