Shanghai International Circuit

Shanghai International Circuit – China's Formula 1 Stage, Shaped Like the Character "Shàng"

The Shanghai International Circuit, located in the Jiading District roughly 30 kilometers northwest of downtown Shanghai, hosts the Chinese Grand Prix and ranks among the most technically demanding and largest venues on the Formula 1 calendar. Its distinctive layout is modeled after the Chinese character "Shàng" (上, for Shanghai).

Key Facts

• Opened: 2004, designed by Hermann Tilke
• Circuit length: 5.451 km, 16 turns
• Capacity: approx. 200,000 spectators
• F1 history: on the calendar continuously since 2004, paused 2020–2022 due to COVID-19, returned in 2024
• Address: 2000 Yuan Shen Road, Jiading District, Shanghai

Design and Track Layout

The Shanghai International Circuit is known for its continuously tightening double-hairpin sequence at Turns 1–3, which spans over 300 meters of changing radius — one of the longest corner combinations on the calendar. The back straight stretches more than 1.2 kilometers, allowing top speeds of up to 335 km/h before braking hard into a tight chicane — making it one of the circuit's prime overtaking zones. The combination of long straights, tight technical sections, and varying corner radii challenges both aerodynamic setup and driver precision.

Significance for Formula 1

Since opening in 2004, the circuit has been a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar and has hosted numerous memorable races, including Michael Schumacher's final F1 victory in 2006. After a pandemic-related hiatus, the Chinese Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 2024 and remains a key stop for the Asian motorsport market.

Getting There

The Shanghai International Circuit is located in the Jiading District and is directly accessible via the Shanghai Metro (Line 11, Shanghai Circuit station). Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao international airports are roughly 60 and 40 minutes away by car, respectively. A race weekend pairs well with a city trip to the metropolis of Shanghai.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Formula 1 race in Shanghai?
Current race weekend dates can be found in the "Upcoming Events" section on this page.

How long is the Shanghai International Circuit?
The circuit is 5.451 km long with 16 turns.

Which is the best grandstand at the Shanghai International Circuit?
Popular vantage points are located at the tight double-hairpin sequence in Turns 1–3, and at the end of the 1.2-kilometer back straight, where drivers brake hard from speeds of up to 335 km/h.

How many spectators does the Shanghai International Circuit hold?
The circuit holds approximately 200,000 spectators.

How do I get to the Shanghai International Circuit?
The circuit is directly accessible via Shanghai Metro Line 11; Pudong and Hongqiao airports are around 60 and 40 minutes away by car, respectively.