F1 Academy - Shanghai

The F1 Academy Shanghai event takes place at the historic Shanghai International Circuit in the Jiading District of China. This race features 18 talented female drivers competing in identical Tatuus F4-T421 chassis with Autotecnica turbocharged engines. The Shanghai International Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, spans 5.451 km with 16 turns and draws inspiration from the Chinese character "shang." Drivers like Doriane Pin and Alisha Palmowski showcased their skills at this venue, with both claiming victories during the inaugural F1 Academy Shanghai race weekend. The circuit presents unique challenges with its mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, including the signature Turns 1 and 2 complex and a 1.2 km straight where cars reach speeds over 300 km/h. All 10 Formula 1 teams support the F1 Academy series, with each nominating a driver to represent their brand on the grid. The Shanghai International Circuit has hosted international motorsport since 2004, built at a cost of approximately $450 million USD. The F1 Academy format includes practice sessions, qualifying, and two races with different grid formations. Race 1 features a reversed top 8 from qualifying, while Race 2 follows the standard qualifying order. This Shanghai event brings top-level female racing talent to one of Asia's premier circuits, offering fans the chance to see future stars compete on a Formula 1 venue. The combination of the challenging Shanghai track and the competitive F1 Academy field creates an important milestone for women in motorsport.