Macau Grand Prix returns with top racers and thrilling events

Formula One legends from Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher had their racing skills tested on this circuit over the years

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This year’s Macau Grand Prix has 180 contenders from 35 countries, with a goal to highlight emerging motorsport talents. Photo: AFP

Gavin Yeung

Published: 2:00am, 9 Nov 2024Updated: 2:31am, 9 Nov 2024

Flashes of colour and thunder on the racetrack. The acrid smell of burnt rubber on the tarmac. The chequered flag a blur over the finish line. All these scenes are set to return to Macau as the SAR gears up for its most prestigious annual sporting event, the Macau Grand Prix.

Macau Grand Prix will be held from November 14 to 17 this year. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Since its first edition in 1954, the Macau Grand Prix has created its share of motorsport history, with Formula One legends such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Mika Häkkinen, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen all having jockeyed for a place on the grid.

Starting on Thursday, the streamlined four-day schedule will feature seven races: the FIA FR World Cup; Macau GT Cup; the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix; Macau Guia Race; the Greater Bay Area GT Cup; and two roadsport races.

Drivers start the Formula 3 qualifying race at the 70th Macau Grand Prix in 2023. Photo: AFP

With about 180 drivers from 35 countries expected to compete, names to look out for include Dino Beganovic from Ferrari’s Driver Academy, and McLaren junior Alexander Dunne in the FIA FR World Cup. In the Macau GT Cup, defending champion Raffaele Marciello will aim to retain his title against opponents such as Edoardo Mortara and Maro Engel, while the motorcycle segment will see four-time winner Peter Hickman defending his title against nine-time champion Michael Rutter.

Over the years, the Grand Prix has served as an important platform for emerging talents in motorsport, with drivers such as Tiago Rodrigues, the 2023 Chinese F4 champion, alongside several international racers making their debut in Macau.

Hongkonger Vivian Siu in the F4 Macau Grand Prix in 2023. Photo: Cyrus Chan

The event not only highlights established stars but also provides a stage for newcomers.