The 72nd running of the Macau Grand Prix will be one of the most diverse and competitive in the event’s history. It will feature no fewer than 28 national flags represented across four FIA-sanctioned competitions. From 13–16 November, the legendary 6.120-kilometre Circuito da Guia will once again roar to life. Drivers from around the world battle for glory in one of motorsport’s most iconic street events.
A global gathering of rising talent
This year’s Macau GP will see competitors from across the globe take to the demanding street circuit. The FIA Formula Regional World Cup, returning for its second running after debuting in 2024, will feature drivers from 15 nations or special administrative regions. Meanwhile, the inaugural FIA Formula 4 World Cup boasts 13 nationalities on its entry list, and the eighth FIA GT World Cup welcomes drivers representing 10 countries or regions.
In total, the FIA World Cup events feature competitors from Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Macau, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Vietnam.
Young talent eager to make their mark at historic circuit
Among those set to make their Macau debuts is 15-year-old Aryaman Bansal from India competing in the FIA F4 World Cup. He expressed his excitement at the opportunity. He said, “Macau has a great history and it’s great to be able to drive on a circuit that has created so many Formula One stars.”
Fellow F4 contender, 17-year-old Shimo Zhang from Hong Kong, also shared his ambitions for the weekend. He added, “Macau is one of the most prestigious races. I aim to show my full potential and maybe a podium or a win [will be possible].”
British driver Reza Seewooruthun, 19, who will compete in the FIA FR World Cup, echoed the sentiment and highlighted the event’s prestige.
“Macau is the most prestigious standalone race that drivers of my age can participate in for formula cars with a unique opportunity to race on a circuit with such rich history and alumni of participants. I believe that the grid is one of the most competitive and experienced that you will come up against, giving you a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your abilities.”
Four FIA-sanctioned competitions headline Macau week
Fans can look forward to a packed four-day schedule featuring the FIA FR World Cup, FIA F4 World Cup, FIA GT World Cup, and the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour season finale. The three FIA World Cup events will be streamed live and free of charge on the FIA’s official YouTube channel, giving global audiences access to all the action.
The event kicks off on Thursday, 13 November, with free practice sessions for all categories, followed by the first rounds of qualifying. Friday sees further practice and qualifying action, while Saturday hosts the crucial qualification races. The grand finales take place on Sunday, 16 November, when the World Cup titles will be decided.
Thursday 13 November
- 09:15-09:55: FIA FR World Cup Free Practice 1
- 10:10-10:50: FIA F4 World Cup Free Practice 1
- 11:05-11:35: Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Free Practice 1
- 12:00-12:35: FIA GT World Cup Free Practice 1
- 14:20-14:50: Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Free Practice 2
- 15:05-15:35: FIA GT World Cup Free Practice 2
- 15:50-16:30: FIA FR World Cup Qualifying 1
Friday 14 November
- 09:15-09:55: FIA F4 World Cup Free Practice 2
- 10:15-10:55: FIA FR World Cup Free Practice 2
- 12:10-12:40: Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Qualifying 1
- 12:55-13:10: Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Qualifying 2
- 13:30-14:40: FIA F4 World Cup Qualifying
- 14:30-15:10: FIA FR World Cup Qualifying 2
- 15:40-16:10: FIA GT World Cup Qualifying Q1
- 16:30-16:55: FIA GT World Cup Qualifying Q2
Saturday 15 November
- 11:40-12:45: FIA F4 World Cup Qualification Race (8 laps)
- 13:20-14:00: Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Race 1 (10 laps)
- 14:35-15:40: FIA GT World Cup Qualification Race (12 laps)
- 16:15-17:20: FIA FR World Cup Qualification Race (10 laps)
Sunday 16 November
- 09:15-10:20: FIA F4 World Cup Main Race (10 laps)
- 11:00-11:40: Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Race 2 (10 laps)
- 12:35-13:50: FIA GT World Cup Main Race (16 laps)
- 15:30-16:35: FIA FR World Cup Race (15 laps)
All timings are local and subject to change, but the structure promises three days of intense racing around one of the world’s most challenging and unforgiving circuits.
Pirro highlights Macau’s enduring importance
Few understand the demands of the Guia Circuit better than Emanuele Pirro, President of the FIA Single-Seater Commission. The Italian racing legend tamed the street track several times during his career, winning the Guia Race for touring cars twice after previously competing in Formula 3. Reflecting on what makes Macau such a proving ground, Pirro shared his thoughts on the race’s unique demands.
Photo Credit: FIA | X
“Doing well in Macau showcases different characteristics from a racing driver,” Pirro said. “Nowadays you spend a lot of time in a race car, so your performance is down to skill but also down to a lot of preparation, a lot of practice, a lot of outside help. In Macau you can’t rely upon that. You have to figure out yourself what to do or not to do. You can’t test, a certain condition will change and maybe you will have only one lap to do what you can do.”
“For a driver’s career, as it has been in the past, every race you win you have to be a good driver. But if you win Macau, you are really a good driver and this is really important for your future to have access to a better team or a better economical package.”
Success in Macau a sign of a strong driver
The 63-year-old, who started 37 Formula One Grands Prix and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times, also explained how Macau continues to influence talent development at the highest levels of the sport.
“Two years ago I put together and ran the McLaren Driver Development programme. If I was still running the programme I would definitely look at who’s quick in Macau and why people are quick. I would also definitely look at who made a mistake in Macau because, nowadays, the ability of driving as close as possible to the limit without exceeding it is less important than in the past. But it’s still a skill you need to have later on in your career when things become more complex and difficult.”
“In Macau you cannot exceed your limit because the circuit will bite you. Doing well in Macau delivers a strong message for whoever is interested in a good driver.”
A proven launchpad to F1
The Macau Grand Prix has long been regarded as one of the most important stepping stones to F1. The current F1 grid offers plenty of proof. Of the 20 drivers who lined up for the Mexico City Grand Prix last month, 12 previously raced in Macau.
The list includes some of the biggest names in modern motorsport:
- Isack Hadjar (7th, 2023)
- Lewis Hamilton (14th, 2004 / DNF, 2003)
- Nico Hulkenberg (23rd, 2007)
- Liam Lawson (7th, 2019)
- Charles Leclerc (2nd, 2015)
- Lando Norris (2nd, 2017 / 11th, 2016)
- Esteban Ocon (DNF, 2014 / 10th, 2013)
- George Russell (7th, 2016)
- Carlos Sainz (7th, 2013 / 7th, 2012 / DNF, 2011)
- Lance Stroll (8th, 2015)
- Yuki Tsunoda (11th, 2019)
- Max Verstappen (7th, 2014)
Their success reinforces Macau’s reputation as a circuit that separates the great from the good. It is a place where courage, precision, and adaptability define champions.
Countdown to Macau
With the countdown well and truly underway, anticipation continues to build ahead of what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the Macau Grand Prix. From the second FIA FR World Cup to the inaugural FIA F4 World Cup, the eighth FIA GT World Cup, and the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour finale, every race will offer drama, spectacle, and the potential emergence of motorsport’s next big star.
As the world’s best young drivers prepare to take on the challenge of the Guia Circuit, Macau once again stands ready to write the next chapter in racing history.
