The much-awaited Chinese Grand Prix will make its return to Formula 1 this weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit. The last time F1 made its presence known around the high-speed raceway was an agonizingly long way back in 2019 (five years ago) when Lewis Hamilton secured his 75th career race victory. Hence, considering its prolonged absence from the racing calendar, let’s get up to speed with some interesting statistics and facts about the Chinese GP.
Does Shanghai International Circuit have the largest seating capacity?
Technically, no. Shanghai International Circuit doesn’t hold the all-time record for the aforementioned statistic. Instead, it is Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a whopping 257,325 seats around the American racing ring. Then follows Australia’s former street circuit – Adelaide Street Circuit (210,000). However, neither of the circuits is currently a part of Formula 1’s calendar, leaving China with a vacant throne to claim.
Hence, as of 2024, Shanghai International Circuit does have the ability to accommodate the most number of fans over a race weekend. To be precise, the numbers stand at approximately 200,000 seats. Behind Shanghai sits another Asian circuit in Suzuka with close to 155,000 seats.
Chinese Grand Prix an unexplored territory for Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen has already snatched a handful of records off Hamilton, thanks to his daunting superiority over the entire grid. However, it’s not all over, as the return of the Chinese GP unravels a new chapter for the Dutchman. Hamilton has inadvertently defended his race victory in China for five years now, but, that could well be coming to an end.
Furthermore, Verstappen is yet to secure a race victory in China. As of today, the Red Bull driver’s highest finishing position at the Chinese Grand Prix is P3, which he managed to secure in 2017.
Lewis Hamilton undefeated in the biggest Chinese Grand Prix record
Verstappen may have laid his dominion over Hamilton and Co. with the three world championship victories on the trot. However, the Dutchman is far from bringing down Hamilton’s insane record at the Chinese Grand Prix. While Verstappen is yet to record a race victory in China, his fellow rival has already claimed six.
The seven-time world champion came close to winning the Chinese Grand Prix in his rookie year before a minor rookie mistake led to a title-defying DNF. However, Hamilton went on to seek redemption in the very next season in 2008 with a dominant victory at Shanghai.
Most overtakes in a Formula 1 race
The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix currently holds the record for the most overtakes in a race with 186 successful maneuvers. However, that belongs to the ‘wet-race’ category. When it comes to dry races, the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix still holds the record for the most overtakes with a whopping 161 moves.
What’s more interesting is that, with the current regulations in place, we could be in for another exhilarating race with actions all over the circuit. Therefore, can the upcoming race weekend in China shatter some of the above records and complete a successful comeback to Formula 1?
Sara Chavan