Speed, Culture, and Dreams: The Enduring Legacy of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix

The event serves as a launchpad for the dreams of many, including children who build F1 car models at the LEGO F1 fan experience station and teenagers who challenge themselves at the racing simulation experience zone. Zhang Yahan, a car racing and automotive media blogger, is one such individual who fell in love with F1 when the Shanghai International Circuit first sparked a car racing frenzy in China. She chose to major in sports journalism, operated F1-related science popularization social media accounts, and worked as a commentator for car races. She admitted that she has been striving to get closer to F1.

As F1 cars speed across the "Shanghai" shaped track, a dialogue between Chinese and foreign cultures unfolds. This year, in addition to Chinese F1 Academy driver Shi Wei (Tiedou) sporting a car with a distinctly Chinese design, drivers from various countries also showcased their appreciation for China and understanding of Chinese culture through their actions. Fernando Alonso, driver for the Aston Martin team, spoke about his new helmet, which features the characters for "Shanghai" and the outline of the track, symbolizing "going up" and positivity. Similarly, George Russell, driver for the Mercedes team, had the Chinese characters for "63" (his car number) and "Russell" on his helmet, while Alexander Albon, driver for the Williams team, incorporated the Sichuan opera face-changing element into his helmet design.

The F1 Chinese Grand Prix has also become a platform for cultural exchange and understanding between China and the rest of the world. Foreign volunteers have also become a highlight of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix. Andrea Gallo, an Italian volunteer currently studying at Tongji University in Shanghai, participated in the F1 event for the first time. He said that through volunteer training and preparation, he learned more about Chinese culture and is making an effort to learn Chinese, despite the difficulties.

The event has become a catalyst for Shanghai's integration of culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibition development. In 2024, the Shanghai International Circuit hosted the Grid Flag Music Carnival during the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, combining elements such as food, music, fashion, and trend. Data shows that the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix attracted 200,000 spectators, generating a direct economic benefit of 1.406 billion yuan and a multiplier effect of 3.928 billion yuan. In 2025, this model has been upgraded, with the Shanghai Auto Culture Festival officially launching during the F1 Chinese Grand Prix.

The F1 Chinese Grand Prix has also had a significant economic impact on the city of Shanghai, with the event generating billions of yuan in revenue and creating thousands of jobs. The event has also helped to promote Shanghai as a global tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Xu Xiaoke, marketing and sales director of the Shanghai Jiading Sheraton Hotel, is busiest during the F1 Chinese Grand Prix. Since its opening in 2015, the hotel has become a "designated hotel" for many F1 teams. Xu said that as soon as the new season's schedule is announced, the hotel's over 300 rooms are fully booked, with guests staying for a whole week.

The intersection of the entertainment circle and F1 has brought new excitement and attention to the sport. This year's F1 Chinese Grand Prix has seen a notable presence of celebrities and influencers, including Chinese actress and model, who were spotted at the racing event, cheering on the drivers. The F1 Chinese Grand Prix has also become a platform for entertainment industry professionals to showcase their talents. For example, Chinese singer performed at the event's opening ceremony, while dancer choreographed a special performance for the occasion.

The F1 Chinese Grand Prix has also become a significant event in the world of Formula One, attracting a large following and generating substantial revenue. The event's commercial value can be seen in several aspects, including its economic impact, cultural and tourism development, and promotion of Shanghai as a global tourist destination. According to related data, the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix had a direct economic impact of 14 billion yuan on Shanghai, with a multiplier effect of nearly 40 billion yuan. The event has also promoted Shanghai's cultural and tourism industry, creating a comprehensive cultural and tourism zone around the Shanghai International Circuit.

Overall, the F1 Chinese Grand Prix is a world-class event that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a die-hard F1 fan or just looking for a unique and exciting experience, the event is sure to deliver. With its rich history, cultural significance, and thrilling on-track action, the F1 Chinese Grand Prix is an event that will continue to captivate and inspire fans for generations to come. As the event continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that we will see even more collaborations and appearances from the entertainment circle in the future, further solidifying the F1 Chinese Grand Prix as a premier event in the world of Formula One.