The 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix has become one of the hottest sporting events in China, with crowds flocking to the Shanghai International Circuit and merchandise selling out as F1's appeal surges.
The three-day motor race officially kicked off on Friday, and spectators began streaming into the venue from 09:30, with the reopening of the E grandstand -- capable of seating more than 4,000 -- helping fuel excitement as fans began cheering on their favorite drivers.
"The atmosphere is great. I hope to see [Lewis] Hamilton on the podium," one fan said.
This season marks the new start for the world-class motorsport, with sweeping changes to car design, aerodynamics and power units. Under the new regulations, cars are smaller and lighter, while hybrid systems now deliver half of their output from electric energy.
"They're trying to adjust to the new rules, so it's a bit interesting for the fans, also," said a spectator.
The event has also turned into a commercial success. Limited-edition merchandise at pop-up stores has seen brisk sales, including Disney-themed collectibles and Lego models of the new cars.
"It is for the children. I like it very much. It's very great. [It is] like a party, like a very special occasion and a good holiday," said another fan.
Tickets for the Grand Prix sold out three months in advance.
Organizers expect about 230,000 spectators over the three-day event, with roughly 14 percent traveling from overseas.
Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix drives fan frenzy China
A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te over his latest remarks on cross-Strait relations, accusing him of promoting secessionism and escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a press release that Lai's speech marking his second anniversary in office was "filled with lies and deception, hostility and confrontation."
Chen accused Lai of stubbornly adhering to a secessionist stance in pursuit of "Taiwan independence," while exaggerating the so-called threats from the mainland and intensifying confrontation across the Strait.
Lai played an old trick of advocating the secessionist agenda on one hand and, on the other, calling insincerely for dialogue and exchanges with the mainland, attempting to mislead people in Taiwan and deceive the international community, he said.
Chen said that these common tricks have been seen through by more and more Taiwanese people. Their deceptive and provocative actions will be met with firm opposition from compatriots on both sides and the international community, and are doomed to fail.
Reaffirming the mainland's position on the Taiwan question, Chen said Taiwan has never been a country, is not one now, and will never become one in the future.
He described the Taiwan question as a historical issue left over from a Chinese civil war in the 1940s.
No election result in Taiwan could alter the fact that Taiwan is part of China or sever the historical and legal bonds linking the two sides of the Strait, according to Chen.
The mainland would never allow any person or force to pursue secessionist activities under any pretext, he added.
Calling secessionists "the chief culprit" who undermines cross-Strait peace, Chen said the mainland would continue to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, unite broadly with Taiwan compatriots, combat secessionist activities, and safeguard peace and stability across the Strait.
Central government spokesperson refutes Lai Ching-te's latest remarks, warns against secessionist moves
