The 2025 Formula One Chinese Grand Prix is sell-out, with more than 200,000 visitors set to enjoy the high-octane action from March 21-23 when the flag drops at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen (R) leads the field away for the formation lap ahead of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, April 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

During a visit to the circuit on Tuesday, Huang Ming, general manager of Shanghai Juss Event Management Co Ltd, revealed that the spectator area has been increased, with an additional 17,000 seats, all of which have been sold out. Notably, there has been a significant increase in female attendees, who will comprise around 35 percent of the weekend's audience.

Last year's F1 Chinese Grand Prix drew nearly 200,000 on-site visitors, generating a direct economic impact of 1.4 billion yuan ($194 million), with an output effect of 3.9 billion yuan and boosting the six main tourism industries — food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment — by 1.6 billion yuan.

"This year, we anticipate an even greater impact," Huang stated.

The Shanghai leg, the second round of the 2025 season, will feature ten teams: McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Racing Bulls, Williams, and Kick Sauber.

This season promises fierce competition, especially between Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who's aiming for his fifth world championship, and MacLaren's British driver, Lando Norris, who claimed first blood against the Dutchman in the race to the title with his win in the wet at last week's Australian Grand Prix. Fans will also be hoping to see Lewis Hamilton get to grips with his new Ferrari after a disappointing debut for the Scuderia in Melbourne.

Chinese star Zhou Guanyu will be watching the seven-time champion from the pits in his new role as a Ferrari reserve driver. Zhou, now involved in Ferrari's strategy after his time with Alfa Romeo, said at the North Bund carnival on Tuesday, "Racing at home holds special significance, and I'll cherish every learning opportunity to reclaim a regular driver seat."

Notably, the F1 Academy series makes its China debut, with the country's first female driver Shi Wei taking her place on the grid as a wildcard participant.

Known as tie dou, Shi won the Challenge Cup at the FIA F4 Chinese Championship in Shanghai and secured third place in the CFGP category in 2024. She also participated in the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86 Cup and the China Endurance Championship.

The F1 Academy China qualifying rounds commence on March 21, with racing over two days. "In racing, there's no gender divide — only speed and ambition," Shi said. "I'll strive to fly the Chinese flag proudly on the international stage."

In addition, the track has also been upgraded this year.

Completed in May 2004 and shaped like the Chinese character shang, the Shanghai International Circuit became China's first F1-certified track after FIA approval in June that same year.

With a lap length of 5.45 kilometers featuring a long 1.2 km straight, the course comprises 16 corners of varying radii, making it one of F1's most thrilling and challenging tracks.

The circuit underwent major renovations from July to September last year, addressing surface aging and damage, including an overhaul of the main track, pit lane and tunnel, as well as repairing drainage ditches, curbs, markings and buffer zones. The track's asphalt surface renovation was the first comprehensive upgrade since its construction.

"The new asphalt will provide excellent grip, and I'm confident the drivers will be pleased with its smoothness. I'm eagerly awaiting this year's qualifying sessions to see if lap times can achieve a breakthrough," noted F1 commentator Pan Yongyong.

Upgrades have also been made to spectator stands and VIP viewing areas.

The B stand, with its views of the pit exit, main straight and Turn 1, will be open to the public for the first time at this year's Chinese Grand Prix.

Additionally, the former grassy area near Turn 16 has been transformed into the T16 Sprint Club. Located near the main straight's starting point, this new viewing area offers spectators a close-up view of cars sprinting past the final corner. It also provides a glimpse of the pit lane for the F1 Academy.

Furthermore, this year's Checkered Flag Carnival introduces an inaugural dual-venue concept, with festivities held not only at the race venue, but also simultaneously at the International Cruise Terminal in Hongkou district.

"We're bringing F1 to downtown Shanghai," said Xia Qing, deputy general manager of Shanghai Jiushi Culture and Media Co Ltd. "This dual-location approach extends the racing atmosphere beyond the traditional circuit boundaries, making it more accessible to urban residents, while maintaining the authentic racing experience in Jiading."