The Macau Grand Prix, an event full of vibrant colours and roaring engines, is set to return. Starting on Thursday, this four-day event will feature seven races, including the FIA Formula Regional World Cup, Macau GT Cup, and Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Around 180 drivers from 35 countries will compete, with notable entrants like Dino Beganovic from Ferrari’s Driver Academy and McLaren junior Alexander Dunne. In the Macau GT Cup, defending champion Raffaele Marciello will face off against drivers like Edoardo Mortara and Maro Engel. In the motorcycle race, Peter Hickman will defend his title against nine-time champion Michael Rutter.
Since its establishment in 1954, the Macau Grand Prix has been a key event in motorsport history. Legends like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Mika Häkkinen, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen have all raced on this famous circuit.
Why Formula 3 Won’t Race in Macau in 2024
This year, Formula Regional will replace Formula 3 at the Macau Grand Prix. Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel explained to Motorsport.com that it was “completely impossible” for the championship to race in Macau due to logistical challenges and the need for engine modifications for the next season’s car. Michel said, “This year, with the fact we are producing a new car, we have to get the engines back quite early for Mecachrome to work on the engines and modify them for next year’s car, so it was impossible to go to Macau because of the logistics, completely impossible.”
Formula 3 cars have raced in Macau 38 times, but the shift to Formula Regional marks a big change. Michel noted, “Macau used to be a Formula 3 World Cup. Why? Because there were Formula 3 championships all over the world, and it was good because they would all come in to race together in Macau.
“Now, there is only one FIA F3 championship, so it means Macau would be more or less another round of the F3 championship — it would be outside the championship because the regulations are not exactly the same.”
The new Formula Regional series, a step below F3, will host its World Cup at the Macau Grand Prix. This change fits better with the various Formula Regional championships around the world, making it a true World Cup event. Michel added, “Formula Regional, where they have several championships around the world, does make more sense for Macau to have because it is going to be a real-world championship of drivers coming from different Formula Regional championships.”
The Formula Regional European Championship, which merged with Formula Renault Eurocup in 2021, remains important for aspiring F1 drivers. Its 2023 champion, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, is set to move up to F1 with Mercedes next season.
As the Macau Grand Prix roars back to life, fans, and drivers are excited for another chapter on this legendary circuit.
