George Russell visits downtown Shanghai ahead of F1 race weekend

english.shanghai.gov.cn
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Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell speaks during a fan event at the Adidas Brand Center on March 11. [Photo/Huangpu district]

George Russell, a driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, visited the Adidas Brand Center at the No 1 Department Store on East Nanjing Road on the evening of March 11.

Greeting the crowd in Chinese, Russell expressed his appreciation for local fans and noted that their enthusiasm gives him extra motivation on the track.

During the event, he presented an award to the winner of a racing simulator competition and received a custom-made traditional Chinese paper-cutting gift from his supporters.

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George Russell poses with a traditional Chinese paper-cut portrait created by fans. [Photo/Huangpu district]

New immersive racing spaces

The Adidas Brand Center has been revamped to welcome the upcoming F1 race in Shanghai. The store now includes dedicated areas for the 2026 collaboration collections of Adidas with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, and the Audi Revolut F1 team. The collections include apparel, footwear, and accessories that combine racing performance with Adidas' classic design language. Beyond shopping, visitors can also check out the outdoor advertising screens, racing simulators, and themed photo booths.

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A visitor tries a racing simulator at No 1 Department Store. [Photo/Huangpu district]

City roadshows and fan experiences

The No 1 Department Store is serving as a key landmark for fans, launching a series of events to integrate racing culture into the nearby shopping area. From March 13 to 19, Liuhe Road will be transformed into a themed roadshow area.

The outdoor space will feature a pop-up experience from Sting Energy, a carbonated energy drink produced by PepsiCo, alongside a display of classic vehicles. One highlight will be two Mercedes-Benz 450SL classic cars from the 1970s, representing a notable era of automotive history. An official merchandise area will also be available for fans to purchase team gear.

Rewards for ticket holders

To further connect the race with the local economy, the No 1 Department Store has introduced a series of benefits for attendees. Fans who present tickets for the Chinese Grand Prix can enjoy exclusive discounts at various restaurants, cafes, and retail stores within the mall. Additionally, as one of the official stamp collection points for the event, the department store allows visitors to collect limited-edition stamps and redeem special race souvenirs and rewards.

 

Source: WeChat account of Huangpu district