Engines ignite as Shanghai hosts 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix

The 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix officially kicked off on Friday at the Shanghai International Circuit, attracting crowds of racing fans hailing from the world over.

At 08:00 Friday, ticket checking began at the Shanghai International Circuit, and passionate fans waited in long queues for their chance to witness the world-class motorsport in action.

"I got into this sport last year after watching a movie, and I found it very interesting. Whether it's the performance of individual drivers or the team strategies, it's quite different from the sports I've watched before," said a local racing fan on site.

"I came here all the way because it was my childhood dream. My friends came from Russia, from New Zealand, from Australia, so we are all here, and we are quite enjoying the time, and we are happy to be here," said a spectator from Russia.

The Grand Prix officially kicked off with the first practice session at 11:30. Sprints and qualifying sessions occupy the remaining time slots until the final race, set for Sunday. Due to significant changes in technical regulations for the new season, the competition among the racing teams is exceptionally fierce.

During the three days, it is estimated that this year's F1 Chinese Grand Prix will attract more than 230,000 spectators, of whom 14 percent are from overseas.

This year's event featured local cuisine and intangible cultural heritage displays were featured at the venue, allowing fans to enjoy local delicacies while watching the race.

A booth serving Shanghai's famous soup dumplings sold out its stock nearly as quickly as they were served. Among those trying the classic snack was Alexander Wurz, director of F1 Academy Race, who proclaimed that "the taste is very good," as he eagerly waited for the soup inside to cool down enough for another bite.

Besides food, the event also featured intangible cultural heritage craft making, including Suzhou embroidery and Jiading bamboo carving, which were well-received by race fans.

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned on Thursday that the global oil market may enter a "red zone" in July and August this year, as fuel demand rise and stocks dwindle.

Birol noted that the supply crisis triggered by the situation in the Middle East was initially cushioned by spare capacity in the global oil market, but that oil stocks are now gradually decreasing.

The 32 members of the IEA on March 11 unanimously agreed to make 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves available to the market in response to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

The IEA stands ready to coordinate further reserve releases if necessary, Birol added.