Last weekend, the Shanghai International Circuit once again became a hot spot for racing fans, this time due to the grand return of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix.
The entire circuit was filled with an atmosphere of speed and passion, attracting around 200,000 spectators to the event.
This race not only marked the 20th anniversary of F1 in China but also celebrated the home debut of China’s first F1 driver, highlighting the significant moment of F1’s return after a five-year hiatus.
Twenty years ago, the first F1 Chinese Grand Prix was held in Shanghai.
Today, the retrospective walls are adorned with commemorative issues from that time, especially those featuring photos of famous drivers like Schumacher, becoming a focal point for nostalgic fans.
Now, a 25-year-old Shanghai native, Zhou Guanyu, has become the new box office guarantee.
His personal posters and various support props are everywhere, adding more vitality and anticipation to the event.
Over the past twenty years, not only has Zhou Guanyu transformed from a spectator to a protagonist, but the Chinese F1 fan base has also rapidly expanded and diversified.
F1's Chief Commercial Officer, Emily, revealed that China currently has over 100 million F1 fans, half of whom joined in the past five years.
Moreover, more than one-third of them are women, with most under the age of 35.
These numbers reflect not only the market potential but also the continuous growth and expanding influence of F1 in the Chinese market.
Successfully hosting the F1 Chinese Grand Prix is not just about the racing event itself;
it is also a window to showcase the image of an international city.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highly praised this event, stating that everything about it was incredibly successful.
Additionally, British driver Lewis Hamilton, who has won multiple times in Shanghai, expressed his love for the Shanghai race, praising the enthusiasm and excellent conditions of the circuit, and stating that this is his most anticipated race of the year.
As the event continues, the F1 Chinese Grand Prix not only attracts local and international spectators but also stimulates the development of related industries such as dining, entertainment, and accommodation.
Data shows that this year, 70% of the spectators were from out of town, and the proportion of international spectators also significantly increased, demonstrating the expanding influence and appeal of the event.
Today, twenty years later, the F1 Chinese Grand Prix is no longer just a car race.
It has become an important driver for Shanghai’s construction as a global excellent city and a top-tier international sports event city.
By telling these exciting event stories, showcasing Shanghai’s vitality and charm, Shanghai is uniquely displaying its style and strength on the international stage.
The successful hosting of this F1 Chinese Grand Prix not only brought Chinese motorsports to new heights but also laid a solid foundation for the development of future events and the sports industry.
With the continuous maturation of the Chinese market and the diversification of the audience, the future development prospects of F1 in China are expected to be even broader and brighter.
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