Your complete guide to the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix
It's finally here! From March 13 to 15, the 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix will roar into action at the Shanghai International Circuit. On the track, lucky attendees can witness the thrill of F1, the F1 Academy, and several support races. Off the track, there are plenty of opportunities to explore fan zones, markets, food, and interactive experiences. Check out this full guide now↓
01 | Race schedule
As the second round of the season and the first Sprint event, the three-day schedule is packed with action. Additionally, the season-opening round of the F1 Academy, the official all-female F1 support series, will take place during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.

02 | Transport information
Shanghai International Circuit is located at No 2000 Yining Road, Jiading district.
During the event, public transport is strongly recommended. Take Metro Line 11 at Shanghai Circuit Station for a fast, direct route to avoid traffic.
For driving directions and traffic control information, please click here to read more.
Additionally, this year's event features customized shuttle buses, offering convenient travel options. Six dedicated shuttle routes are available:

03 | Entry information
Please ensure you bring the original valid identification document used for purchase, such as an ID card or passport, to enter the venue.
Daily entry times:
- March 13 and 14: 8 am – 5 pm
- March 15: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Entry peaks between 10 am and noon. Spectators are advised to plan their travel accordingly and arrive at off-peak times to avoid long queues at security.
Spectators holding passports should proceed to the manual real-name verification service desks located before the security checks to complete registration. After verification, proceed through security and enter directly via the facial recognition gates at the entrance. Upon entry, a second ticket check at the grandstand entrances is required, also using facial recognition.
Ticket holders are permitted to re-enter the circuit on the same day through any designated entrance, subject to completing all entry procedures each time.
In case of rain, please do not bring long-handled umbrellas. It is recommended to bring a foldable umbrella or raincoat for convenience.
04 | How to enter as a grandstand ticket holder?
Four entrances, 1, 2, 6, and 9, will be open for grandstand spectators. Please choose the entrance closest to your grandstand to minimize waiting time.
- Entrance 1: Recommended for spectators with tickets for grandstands A, B, and K, and those heading to the F1 Fanzone.
- Entrance 2: Recommended for spectators with tickets for grandstands B and C.
- Entrance 6: Recommended for spectators with tickets for Grandstand E.
- Entrance 9: Recommended for spectators with tickets for grandstands F, H, and J.

How do Grandstand E spectators access the shuttle bus?
This year, the newly upgraded Grandstand E offers a free round-trip shuttle bus service for convenient access.
- Grandstand E spectators can take the shuttle from parking lot P5 (near Grandstand J) to parking lot P13 (near Grandstand E).
- To return from Grandstand E to the Main Grandstand F1 Fanzone and Fountain Square, take the shuttle from P13 back to P5.
Please note: The shuttle boarding points for both P5 and P13 are located outside the ticketed entry gates. If you are at the Main Grandstand F1 Fanzone and want to return to Grandstand E, please follow the on-site signs, exit via Entrance 1 or Entrance 10 (near Grandstand J), proceed to the shuttle service station at P5, and then re-enter through Entrance 6 after your ride.
Shuttle bus operating hours (March 13-15):
- P5 → P13: 8:30 am – 3 pm
- P13 → P5: 9:30 am – 3 pm
Alternatively, spectators can choose to walk to Grandstand E, following on-site directional signs.
05 | Where and when to collect your grandstand ticket package benefits?
Spectators who purchased the Grandstand A Low Plus, Cheer for Zhou Guanyu, or the Disney × F1 Chinese Grand Prix limited edition combo tickets should bring the ticket holder's original valid ID document to the designated locations below to collect their benefit packages:
Collection for Grandstand A Low Plus package benefits
- Location: Ticketing services desk at Fountain Square
- Collection time: March 12-15, 9 am – 5 pm
Collection for Cheer for Zhou Guanyu package benefits
- Location 1: Ticketing services desk at Fountain Square
- Collection time: March 12-15, 9 am – 5 pm
- Location 2: Pop-up store of Great Sports at Mega Incity in Jiading district
- Collection time: March 13-15, 10 am – 7 pm
- Location 3: PlaygroundX, L1-10B, Sinar Mas Plaza
- Collection time: March 13-15, 10 am – 8 pm
Note: A daily quota of 50 packages is available at this Location 3 on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
Collection for Disney × F1 Chinese Grand Prix limited edition combo benefits
- Location: Disney x F1 collection point inside the Main Grandstand F1 Fanzone, accessible after ticket validation
- Collection time: March 14-15, 9 am – 5 pm
Grandstand E fan support zone package
Items for the Grandstand E Fan Support Zone package are being dispatched in stages. If you haven't provided your shipping address yet, please submit your order information and address as soon as possible so your package can be sent out according to the order sequence.
06 | How to enter as a VIP ticket holder?
Grandstand Club, T1 Club, T16 Club: If you hold a corresponding parking pass for these clubs, park your vehicle according to the pass instructions. Collect your VIP Card at the exchange area in the designated parking lot, then proceed through the security checkpoint nearby and take the shuttle bus to enter the circuit.
If you choose to arrive by metro, it is recommended to collect your VIP Card at the Fountain Square exchange area, then walk to Entrance 1 and use the dedicated fast-track lane for quick entry.
Paddock Club: Please bring your physical ticket to the event. Upon arrival at parking lot P1, take the dedicated shuttle bus to enter the circuit.
Detailed information on VIP entry, dining, and activities:

07 | What's fun to see and do?
(1) Fountain Square
Here you'll find the official merchandise store, the Shanghai Auto Culture Festival themed area, and interactive installations and stage performances from the 2026 Checkered Flag Carnival.
Numerous outlets are also open to all spectators, allowing you to enjoy food and drinks while you stroll around. Fountain Square is also open to non-ticketed visitors! Whether you have a ticket or not, it's the perfect starting point to soak up the F1 atmosphere.
(2) F1 Fanzone
This area offers plenty of interactive experiences. Visitors can try racing simulators and pit stop challenges, enjoy a variety of fun photo opportunities, and explore sponsor booths to pick up their favorite merchandise.
In addition to the Main Grandstand, food, beverage, and rest areas are set up near grandstands B, E, H, and K, allowing you to refuel between sessions and maintain your energy and excitement throughout the day.
(3) 2026 Checkered Flag Carnival
Running from March 8 to 15, the festival spans four key areas: Xuhui Riverside, Shanghai International Circuit, North Bund, and Baoshan Riverside. It features F1-themed exhibitions, Huangpu River cruises, karting experiences, stamp-collecting activities, and multiple music performances, creating a deep integration of sport and culture.
(4) Explore beyond the track
There are plenty of attractions around the Shanghai International Circuit waiting to be discovered. If you have time, use this guide to plan your own itinerary.
Source: F1 Chinese Grand Prix