West Bund International Convention Center in Shanghai to host prestigious 2026 FIA Awards

Completed in 2025, the striking convention centre sits on the banks of the Huangpu River in Shanghai's West Bund district. Its futuristic design was chosen to provide a fitting backdrop for the FIA's flagship awards ceremony, where champions from the federation's six World Championships will collect their trophies alongside leading figures from across global motorsport.

The announcement comes as Formula E returns to Shanghai this weekend for a double-header that could prove pivotal in this season's title battle.

The timing is no coincidence. China has become an increasingly important market for FIA championships, with Formula 1, Formula E, the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour, the FIA EcoRally Cup and the famous Macau Grand Prix all featuring on this year's calendar.

Shanghai's selection also underlines Formula E's growing footprint in the country. The all-electric championship first raced in China at Beijing in 2014 and has since expanded its presence with races in Sanya and Shanghai, while Chinese manufacturers and teams continue to play an increasingly influential role.

This year's FIA Awards will crown the final champions of the GEN3 Formula E era before the championship immediately enters a new chapter. Just one week after the ceremony, the GEN4 era begins with its opening round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

With six races remaining, the Formula E championship remains finely balanced. Mitch Evans currently leads the standings, although victories for Jake Dennis, including his recent triumph at Sanya, have ensured the title race remains wide open ahead of the season finale in London.

FIA Senior Circuit Sport Director Marek Nawarecki highlighted China's importance to the championship and welcomed the choice of venue.

"China has been a significant contributor to the rapid growth and success of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since its inception 12 years ago, and for the 2025-26 season returning to Sanya and then coming to Shanghai reflects that the championship is stronger than ever here," he said.

Looking ahead to December's ceremony, Nawarecki added: "The Shanghai International Circuit has produced some of the best races of the past three years since it joined the calendar, and I am sure the World Champions will be delighted to return here for the FIA Awards. The West Bund International Convention Center looks like a really incredible facility – as innovative as the Formula E cars that will be racing in Shanghai this coming weekend!"

The FIA Awards recognise champions across circuit racing, rallying, endurance racing, karting and touring cars, while also honouring officials and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to world motorsport.

For the West Bund International Convention Center, hosting the FIA's premier annual celebration marks another milestone for one of China's newest world-class venues, while reinforcing the country's growing importance on the international motorsport calendar.