Chinese F1 Grand Prix Grandstand Guide

The Shanghai International Circuit delivers a unique challenge on the Formula 1 calendar, and our China F1 Grandstand Guide is the perfect starting point for fans planning to experience it live. Combining long straights with technical, flowing sections, the circuit pushes both driver skill and car performance to the limit. From its iconic sweeping opening corners to the endless back straight, the track rewards precision, bravery, and smart racecraft, often producing strategic battles and late-race drama.

Attending the Chinese Grand Prix offers a polished and immersive race weekend at a purpose-built venue designed with spectators in mind. Expansive grandstands overlook key braking zones and overtaking spots, while general admission areas provide wide views of the on-track action as cars charge down the straights and dive into heavy braking zones. Away from the circuit, fans can enjoy interactive entertainment zones, food and merchandise stalls, and a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend.

With so much happening both on and off the track, we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best seats and make the most of your Formula 1 experience in Shanghai.

Official China F1 tickets

Best grandstands to watch the race at the Chinese Grand Prix

Shanghai International Circuit Grandstand Map

Image: www.formula1shanghai.com

Grandstand A

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes
Numbered seating: Yes

Kicking off our China F1 Grandstand Guide is Grandstand A – the place where the Chinese Grand Prix truly comes to life. Positioned along Shanghai’s main straight, it puts fans right at the centre of the action as the grid lines up, the lights go out, and the race gets underway. As one of the largest grandstands in world motorsport, it generates an electric atmosphere throughout the weekend. Its prime location opposite the pit complex makes it a focal point for the race’s most decisive moments, from the opening launch to the dash for the chequered flag.

With seating for nearly 30,000 spectators, Grandstand A delivers excellent views of the starting grid, pit lane activity, start/finish line, and the post-race podium celebrations. The structure is split into upper and lower tiers, with higher seats offering an elevated perspective across much of the circuit. It’s an ideal choice for fans who want to follow race strategy, watch pit stops unfold, and experience the full spectacle of Formula 1 in Shanghai.

Grandstand A overlooks the starting grid in Shanghai

Grandstand B

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

Grandstand B picks up the action at the end of the main straight, making it one of the most thrilling viewing locations at the Shanghai International Circuit. As cars charge past at full throttle before braking heavily for Turn 1, spectators are treated to dramatic moments at one of the circuit’s key overtaking zones, where late moves and wheel-to-wheel battles are common.

From Grandstand B, fans can follow the action through the sweeping opening sequence of Turns 1, 2, and 3, with higher rows also offering extended views towards Turns 4 through 6. This wider sightline allows spectators to track battles as they develop across multiple corners, rather than just a single burst of speed. While the grandstand is uncovered, its prime positioning more than compensates, delivering a front-row view of high-speed approaches, heavy braking, and early-lap drama.

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L-R: Lewis Hamilton (GBR) McLaren and Michael Schumacher (GER) Mercedes AMG F1 in parc ferme. Formula One World Championship, Rd3, Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying, Shanghai, China, Saturday 14 April 2012.

Grandstand K

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes (Partly)
Numbered seating: Yes

Grandstand K is situated at the Turn 14 hairpin, one of the most action-packed corners on the circuit. After blasting down Shanghai’s long back straight at maximum speed, drivers are forced into heavy braking as they funnel into this tight corner, creating prime opportunities for overtaking and late-braking moves.

From this vantage point, spectators can watch cars decelerate dramatically before rotating through the hairpin and accelerating away into the next section of the lap. The sharp contrast between extreme speed and heavy braking makes this area a consistent hotspot for on-track drama, particularly during race starts and restarts. For fans who enjoy seeing drivers pushed to their limits under pressure, Grandstand K offers some of the most intense moments of the Chinese Grand Prix.

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Grandstand H

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes (Partly)
Numbered seating: Yes

Grandstand H is positioned along the extended back straight on the approach to the Turn 14 hairpin, placing spectators right beside one of the circuit’s most important overtaking zones. As cars reach top speed down the straight, drivers size up their rivals before committing to heavy braking, often resulting in bold passes and close, side-by-side action.

From this location, fans can clearly follow the build up to the hairpin as well as the decisive moments under braking that define this section of the lap. The blend of raw speed, racecraft, and last-second manoeuvres makes Grandstand H an excellent choice for those wanting to see Formula 1 cars pushed to the limit at the Chinese Grand Prix.

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General Admission views at the Shanghai International Circuit

General Admission at the Shanghai International Circuit provides a flexible way to experience the Chinese Grand Prix, giving fans access to the wider circuit grounds throughout the race weekend. Although General Admission offers more limited views than grandstand seating, spectators can move freely around the circuit and experience the atmosphere from different points around the track.

It’s a simple option for those who want to soak up the buzz of Formula 1 in Shanghai and enjoy the off-track entertainment on offer, without committing to a fixed seat in a grandstand.

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