Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix set to thrill through 2030 amid Zhou Guanyu’s uncertain future

Formula 1 has reinforced its commitment to the Chinese market by securing the future of the Chinese Grand Prix until 2030, despite the nation's inaugural F1 driver, Zhou Guanyu, facing uncertainty over his race seat for the coming season.

Announcing a new deal on Friday, extending from a previous agreement set to expire next year, Formula 1 has underlined the growing interest in the sport in China, now boasting a 150 million-strong fanbase, with many fans having been garnered over just the last four years.

Race action will return to the Shanghai International Circuit from March 21-23, 2025, featuring a sprint race as part of the weekend's events. This comes after a series of cancellations due the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in Shanghai missing out on hosting duties since the inaugural race in 2004 up to 2023.

Zhou Guanyu, making history as the first Chinese driver with the then-Alfa Romeo team in 2022, now racing in his third season with the Sauber team, is yet to guarantee his position on the 2025 starting grid. His absence would be felt especially as the Chinese Grand Prix makes its return.

The extension of Shanghai's F1 tenure contrasts with the recent news of the Dutch Grand Prix, which is set to see its final laps around the Zandvoort Circuit in 2026 after a brief one-year agreement.

The Dutch event has been a fan favorite since its comeback in 2021, with local support largely buoyed by the success of three-time winner and home-country hero, Max Verstappen.

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