China, which returned to the F1 calendar for the first time since the appearance of Covid-19 this year, has just extended its contract with Liberty Media, the FOM and the FIA to ensure its presence until 2030.
A comeback for the Chinese Grand Prix, the shadow of a start for Zandvoort
After a five-year absence, Formula 1 returned to China in 2024, attracting 200,000 spectators who came to applaud Max Verstappen, winner of both the Sprint and the Grand Prix. This enthusiasm led to a five-year extension, keeping the Shanghai Grand Prix on the calendar until 2030. This decision contrasts with the situation in the Netherlands, where the contract for the Zandvoort Grand Prix will officially end in 2026 with no prospect of renewal.
Since 2004, the 5.45 km long Shanghai circuit has become an iconic venue in the championship. Its demanding corners, such as the tight turns of 1 and 2 or the fast 7 and 8 turns, offer a unique challenge to the drivers. In twenty years, ten drivers have triumphed in China, including Rubens Barrichello in the first edition and Lewis Hamilton, the record holder with six victories.
A growing passion in China, a female audience on the rise
This extension is part of an impressive growth trend of F1 in China. The fan base now exceeds 150 million people, with a significant increase in the past four years, especially among women, who represent 50% of these new followers. Television audiences increased by 39% in 2024 compared to 2023, and Chinese social networks such as Weibo and Douyin have over 4.4 million followers.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm in the face of this success: « Our return to China this season for the first time since 2019 has been a fantastic moment for the sport, and it’s incredible to see the support we receive in this country continue to grow year after year. Shanghai is an amazing city, and its circuit is a great challenge for our drivers, so I am delighted that Formula 1 is continuing its successful partnership with the Chinese Grand Prix for another five years. »
For Guo Jianfei, President of Shanghai Jiushi Group, this extension is a symbol of success: « For many years, Jiushi Group and our subsidiary Juss Sports have always worked with the intention of aiming for excellence in the organization of this event, and this renewal is proof of it. Looking towards the future, we will continue to work closely with all our partners and better showcase the charm of the city of Shanghai.
Zandvoort: a scheduled end in 2026.
While China secures its future on the calendar, the Netherlands is preparing to bid farewell to Formula 1. The Zandvoort Grand Prix, reintroduced in 2021 after 36 years of absence, was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the massive support of Max Verstappen fans. However, Formula 1 has confirmed that the 2026 edition will be the last, as the local promoter has decided not to extend beyond this date.
This decision marks the end of an era for the circuit nestled in the coastal dunes, which has hosted memorable races since its return. The four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who has won every edition since 2021, expressed his sadness mixed with pride: « When I started in Formula 1, I would never have imagined that we would return to Zandvoort. The races we had there, the event they organized, I have a lot of respect for that. And I am proud to have contributed to it. »
F1, a balancing act between tradition and expansion
With Liberty Media wanting to diversify into financially lucrative markets, the era of host countries for a Grand Prix in Europe is indeed coming to an end.
