Chinese F4 returns in 2026 with renewed momentum, as the championship expands its calendar and welcomes a wave of new drivers. After a dominant 2025 campaign, Simon Zhang claimed the title with authority, securing 14 victories and sealing the championship before the final round. At the same time, his success delivered Geeke Racing its first teams’ title since 2020.
Now, the series builds on that momentum. It introduces new venues, fresh talent and a broader competitive structure, signalling a clear step forward for single-seater racing in China.
Expanded calendar brings new challenges for 2026 Chinese F4 season
This season, organisers increase the calendar from five to six rounds, adding variety and complexity to the championship. Notably, the Shanghai International Circuit replaces Ningbo as the season opener, immediately raising the profile of the first round.
Moreover, two new circuits join the schedule. Tianjin V1 International Circuit hosts round two, while Hunan International Circuit returns to top-level F4 competition later in the season. These additions not only diversify the racing environment but also test driver adaptability across different track characteristics.
The revised calendar unfolds as follows:
- Round 1: Shanghai International Circuit (17–19 April)
- Round 2: Tianjin V1 International Circuit (22–24 May)
- Round 3: Ningbo International Circuit (26–28 June)
- Round 4: Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit (28–30 August)
- Round 5: Hunan International Circuit (25–27 September)
- Round 6: Zhuhai International Circuit (16–18 October)
Consequently, the championship now offers a more balanced and demanding schedule, rewarding consistency as much as outright speed.
Format remains competitive and structured
While the calendar expands, the race format remains unchanged, ensuring continuity for teams and drivers. Each weekend features two practice sessions and two qualifying sessions on Friday. Then, four races take place across Saturday and Sunday.
Importantly, reverse-grid races continue to play a key role. These races encourage overtaking and strategic racing, as drivers must fight through the field rather than rely solely on qualifying performance.
Points follow the standard FIA system, with rewards for the top ten finishers. However, the series does not award bonus points for pole position or fastest lap, which places full emphasis on race results.
In addition, the championship maintains its three-class structure:
- F4 class (ages 15–20)
- CFGP class (ages 21–39)
- Master class (40+)
This structure ensures competitive racing across different experience levels.
Where fans can follow the action
Fans can watch all races via the series’ official streaming platforms, including Weibo and Mintimes’ WeChat channel. Additionally, viewers in mainland China can tune in through CCTV-5. Live timing remains available online, ensuring comprehensive race coverage throughout the season.
Stable machinery, reliable performance for 2026 Chinese F4 season
The series continues to use the Ligier JS F422 car, which has been in place since 2024. Powered by a turbocharged Alpine engine producing up to 180 horsepower, the car delivers a consistent platform for driver development.
As a result, teams can focus on setup optimisation and driver progression rather than adapting to new machinery. This stability strengthens the championship’s role as a stepping stone in the single-seater ladder.
2026 Chinese F4 teams and drivers: a refreshed and expanding grid
The 2026 Chinese F4 grid reflects both growth and transition, as the championship welcomes new teams, fresh talent and evolving driver line-ups. Compared to previous seasons, the field appears more diverse in terms of experience, with young karting graduates lining up alongside seasoned racers in the Master class.
Although a few teams opt for smaller entries, others expand across multiple banners, ensuring that the overall grid remains well-balanced. Consequently, the mix of returning front-runners and ambitious rookies creates the potential for close and unpredictable racing throughout the season.
Geeke Racing
Geeke Racing enters the season as the reigning teams’ champion, yet it adopts a streamlined approach for 2026. By fielding a single driver, the team focuses on maximising performance and maintaining its competitive edge.
- Qi Diqin – The 22-year-old makes his Chinese F4 debut after achieving success in touring cars, including a CTCC class title. In addition, his recent endurance racing experience highlights his adaptability. He now aims to transfer that skillset into single-seater racing and quickly establish himself as a contender.
Champ Motorsport
Champ Motorsport significantly expands its presence this season, operating across multiple entries and reinforcing its development pathway. As a result, the team positions itself as one of the most influential outfits on the grid.
- Jason Chow Chun Shing – The Hong Kong driver steps into single-seaters after strong performances in GT racing. While he faces a steep learning curve, he brings confidence and race-winning experience from other categories.
- Ken Chow Wing Hong (M) – Competing in the Master class, Chow adds valuable experience to the line-up. Having raced in both touring cars and GT competitions, he focuses on consistency and class victories.
Champ Academy
Under the same structure, Champ Academy blends proven front-running pace with long-term driver development.
- Kimi Chan – Returning as last year’s runner-up, Chan enters the season as a clear title favourite. With one win and multiple podiums in 2025, he now aims to convert consistency into a championship-winning campaign.
- Zhao Zijun (R) – The 14-year-old karting graduate joins as a development driver. Although he will not race immediately, he gains valuable exposure to the team environment and prepares for future competition.
Kai Fei Motorsport
Kai Fei Motorsport continues under the Champ umbrella, focusing on experienced drivers within the Master class.
Andy Law (M) – After scoring points in 2025, Law returns with the goal of improving consistency and achieving higher finishes. His experience provides a stable foundation for the team.
Patrick Tsang Wai Yip (M) – Tsang builds on last season’s limited points finishes. This year, he targets steady progress and stronger race results across the calendar.
Black Blade Racing
Black Blade Racing builds on its third-place finish in last year’s teams’ standings by retaining key drivers and strengthening its line-up.
- Chen Sicong – As one of the standout performers from 2025, Chen returns with strong momentum. Having secured a race win and multiple high finishes, he aims to challenge for the title.
- Yu Yan – The young driver switches teams after an impressive debut season. Notably, his podium finish demonstrated his potential, and he now looks to become a regular front-runner.
Black Blade GP
Running alongside the main team, Black Blade GP adds further depth and experience to the overall operation.
- Zhang Jun – After sporadic appearances in previous seasons, Zhang returns with a focus on consistency and completing a full campaign.
- Jiang Wei (M) – The Master class driver makes his return to Chinese F4. With prior experience in the series, he aims to compete strongly within his category.
Asia Racing Team
Asia Racing Team continues its long-standing involvement in the championship, once again placing emphasis on developing young talent.
- Feng Jiaxi (R) – The British-Chinese driver steps up from karting for his single-seater debut. Having raced in both Asia and Europe, he brings a solid foundation and aims to adapt quickly.
- Timur Shagaliev (R) – The 15-year-old arrives with karting success and partial F4 experience. Therefore, he enters the season with a clear focus on steady improvement and learning.
Blackjack Racing
Operating under the Asia Racing Team structure, Blackjack Racing combines emerging talent with returning experience.
- Chen Zhuyuan (R) – The former national karting champion begins his F4 journey with strong expectations. He aims to translate his karting achievements into competitive race performances.
- Huang Chujian – After selected appearances last season, Huang returns with greater familiarity. Consequently, he targets improved results and more consistent finishes.
Venom Motorsport
Venom Motorsport fields a compact yet balanced line-up, combining experience with a developing driver.
- Huang Xiaofeng (R) – Following a brief appearance last year, Huang embarks on his first full season. He aims to gain experience quickly and move into the points.
- Yang Peng – Entering his third season, Peng brings valuable continuity. With several top-10 finishes already, he now looks to push further up the order.
Frankenstein by Pointer Racing
This joint entry combines the resources of two teams, creating a stable platform for returning drivers to progress.
- Liu Taiji – After a partial 2025 campaign, Liu returns aiming to build on previous top-10 finishes and improve consistency.
- Yuanyang Zeshi – Also returning, Yuanyang focuses on regular points finishes and continued development across the season.
GYT Racing
GYT Racing continues its gradual progression within the championship, maintaining a single-car entry.
- Tu Yate – After debuting at last season’s finale, Tu begins his first full campaign. He aims to break into the points and gain valuable race experience.
She Power Racing
She Power Racing joins the grid as a new and notable addition, bringing a fresh identity to the championship.
- Shi Wei – The experienced driver returns after previous outings with Geeke Racing. In addition, her recent appearances in other series like F1 Academy highlight her versatility. She now leads the new team, aiming to establish a strong presence and achieve competitive results.
A broader grid reflects growing interest
Across the grid, the diversity of drivers continues to grow. Competitors range from teenage prospects to seasoned racers in the Master class, creating a unique competitive environment.
Furthermore, the inclusion of international karting graduates and drivers transitioning from other disciplines underlines the series’ increasing appeal. As a result, the 2026 season promises unpredictable racing and a wide range of storylines.
A season set for growth
Ultimately, the 2026 Chinese F4 season represents more than just another year of competition. With an expanded calendar, new circuits and a refreshed grid, the championship continues to evolve.
As the lights go out in Shanghai, the series begins a new chapter—one defined by opportunity, development and increasingly competitive racing.
