ENTERING THE CIRCUIT

Please expect your luggage to be checked at the entrance. See what items you can take with you and what you should leave at home. Whether it's fan merchandise or food and drink. We don't recommend trying to sneak items past the organisers. If you are found with a prohibited item, it will be confiscated and disposed of. In extreme cases, you may even be banned from entering.

Tickets

• You can only enter the circuit with a valid ticket. You can either have it electronically or printed on paper. Our tip is clear - keep your ticket on your mobile phone and be ready to show it. However, it is a good idea to have a backup printed version. If everything goes well,  you won't even have to take it out of your pocket.
• We recommend buying your tickets online. It takes less than two minutes and you’re ready to go. Check out the best prices here, but don't wait too long, some tickets are already sold out! You can choose from seated, general admission, or natural grandstand tickets with no seat reservations.
• Each code is valid for one entry and is non-transferable. China is currently the only race on the F1 calendar to use facial recognition technology for entry to the circuit and grandstands. After purchasing your tickets, you will be required to provide your passport details for mandatory personalization. Due to this link between your identity and biometric data, the same ticket cannot be used by more than one person. If you leave the circuit during the day, ensure that security re-tags your entry in the system; otherwise, you will not be able to return on the same day. Do not share your ticket or personal details with anyone you do not trust to prevent potential misuse.

Parking

The Shanghai circuit offers parking in its immediate vicinity (most of the parking areas are located behind the back straight). Parking is available upon payment of a fee on-site, no reservation is required.

Experience from previous editions speaks to the fact that there is ample parking available, but there is chaos on arrival and departure.

We therefore recommend using public transport (ideally metro) when travelling to the Shanghai International Circuit.

Opening Hours of the Circuit (2026)

For the 2026 race weekend, gates generally open around 8:00 AM to accommodate the packed schedule of support races like the F1 Academy, Porsche Carrera Cup, and the GT Cup.

• Friday, March 13: Gates open at 8:00 AM
• Saturday, March 14: Gates open at 8:00 AM
• Sunday, March 15: Gates open at 8:30 AM

Important Tips for 2026:

• Arrive early: Because China is the only circuit using facial recognition for entry, the process can take longer than at other tracks. It is recommended to arrive at the gates at least 90 minutes before the session you want to see.
• Support races: If you want to see the action from the start, the GT Cup and F1 Academy sessions begin as early as 8:15 AM or 9:10 AM depending on the day.
• Security: Remember that if you leave the circuit, you must have your ticket "re-tagged" by security to be allowed back in on the same day.