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Shanghai F1 Tickets 2026: How to Buy, Best Seats, and What’s New

Ikky Ma December 8, 2025 3 minutes read
Shanghai F1 Grand Prix 2026

Tickets for the 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix go on sale at 11:00 AM on December 11, as announced by the Shanghai Sports Bureau and local event pages.

The official sales channels are the 久事体育 platforms: the 久事体育 App and the WeChat and Alipay mini programs; international buyers can use the app’s international storefront and the circuit’s official ticketing pages.

Key dates and weekend format

  • Race weekend: March 13–15, 2026 (Shanghai International Circuit).
  • Sprint weekend format: Friday — Free Practice + Sprint Qualifying; Saturday — Sprint Race + Grand Prix Qualifying; Sunday — Main Race. Shanghai will host the first Sprint Race of the 2026 season.

Ticket types, pricing tiers, and who they suit

Grandstands and general admission options range from premium A Grandstand packages (platinum/gold/silver tiers) to popular grass/GA areas (C/F/J) that offer budget-friendly three-day access.

Source: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/

A and E Grandstands have upgraded experiences and additional ticket types for fans seeking premium sightlines and hospitality.

Quick comparison table — pick by experience

Ticket typeDetails
Grandstand A
(Platinum/Gold/Silver)
Best for: VIP sightlines
View & Price: Start/finish, pit lane; Premium
Grandstand BBest for: Turn 1 overtakes
View & Price: Turn 1 complex; Mid-high
Grandstand EBest for: Technical corner battles
View & Price: Turns 11–13; Mid
Grass/GA
(C/F/J)
Best for: Budget fans, flexible viewing
View & Price: Various vantage points; Low
Paddock Club / F1 ExperiencesBest for: Ultimate VIP, paddock access
View & Price: Exclusive areas; Very high

What’s new for 2026 — why buy early

Major technical rule changes and an 11th team entering the grid are expected to shake up competitiveness, making the season more unpredictable and exciting for spectators.

E Grandstand returns with a refreshed layout overlooking Turns 11–13 and includes free shuttle services for ticket holders — a notable convenience for race-day logistics.

Shanghai’s Sprint weekend status means three days of intensified on-track action, increasing the value of weekend passes.

Practical tips for buying and attending

  • Download 久事体育 App and register ahead of Dec 11 to avoid delays; set payment methods in advance.
  • Decide your priority: start/finish views (A), overtakes (B), technical corner battles (E), or budget flexibility (GA).
  • Use “乐动上海” sports vouchers where applicable — some ticket types accept these local discounts.
  • Book travel and hotels early: Shanghai race weekends draw large crowds and nearby accommodation fills fast.

Useful links and official pages

  • Official Shanghai ticketing: https://www.formula1shanghai.com/en/tickets
  • F1 Sprint calendar and season notes: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-and-fia-announce-2026-sprint-calendar.3PyLPAazrBNe8kQIS3wOfY
  • F1 Experiences packages: https://f1experiences.com/2026-chinese-grand-prix

Final recommendations

  • Buy early on Dec 11 at 11:00 AM via 久事体育 if you want the best grandstand options; choose E Grandstand for corner action and shuttle convenience, or A Grandstand for start/finish and pit views.
  • For budget-conscious fans, GA grass tickets remain the best value.

About the Author

Ikky Ma

Administrator

For over a decade, Ikky has served as a cultural navigator and practical guide for foreigners building lives in the world's most complex and dynamic society. What began as a personal journey of adaptation has transformed into a mission to demystify China's systems for the international community. Through firsthand experience navigating the intricacies of Chinese bureaucracy, business culture, and daily life, Ikky has developed a unique expertise that blends legal knowledge, cultural insight, and hard-won practical wisdom.

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