The roar of racing cars
ignited the spring in Shanghai.
From March 13 to 15,
the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix
was held at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Behind the speed and passion,
there is a warm presence
silently guarding every corner of the venue.
53 student volunteers, called “Xiao Qing Ning,” from various schools of Tongji University,
provided full enthusiasm and professional service,
ensuring the smooth operation of the 2026 F1 Shanghai leg.
From campus to the track,
from the classroom to their posts,
they showcased the elegance and responsibility of Tongji youth
at this top international event.
Outside the paddock,
formula student cars independently designed and built by Tongji students
made a brilliant appearance,
attracting the attention of global racing fans.
Professional Support, Youth on Site
Efficiently managing crowds, patiently answering questions, working seamlessly with the team, and ensuring the event with meticulousness and dedication… The “Xiao Qing Ning” volunteers from Tongji were spread across various roles including spectator guidance, event information, media assistance, guest reception, ticketing, and venue operations support.
Among them, there were seasoned veterans who had served for consecutive years. Some had been working on the grandstands since their undergraduate years and had now grown into team leaders for pit lane tours. Others participated for the second time, unlocking new volunteer experiences in different positions. Chen Yihong, a student serving for the second time, felt his growth: “From following to taking initiative, compared to the nervousness of my first time, this year I felt more composed and skilled.”
Many “Xiao Qing Ning” were already familiar faces at large-scale events, with various volunteer experiences making them more confident. Among them, Zhang Ziyu from the School of Law had previously served as a “Little Dolphin” at the Pujiang Innovation Forum and a “Little Leaf” at two CIIE expos, and now unlocked her new identity as “Xiao Qing Ning” for F1, successfully collecting volunteer badges from three major events. “I feel like I’m collecting badges,” she joked. “I hope that during this volunteer activity, friends from all over the world can feel the enthusiasm and professionalism of Chinese youth.”
The dedication of the volunteers was in every detail. The Tongji “Xiao Qing Ning” proactively optimized routes for shuttle dispatch. Those at the ticketing and gift counter prepared multilingual reminder cards, while those at the Energy Center service booth carried power banks and band-aids, serving as the considerate support for the entire audience…
“Volunteer service is never one-sided; it’s a two-way journey,” shared Qu Yanbo, a volunteer at the departure tax refund counter. “I was fortunate to help racing fans from all over the world. Every smooth transaction and every sincere ‘thank you’ made me realize the true meaning of volunteer service.”
Tongji University has actively participated in the volunteer service for the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, organizing student volunteers for the event since 2024. This year marks the third consecutive year of involvement, with over 170 volunteers deployed cumulatively.
Tongji Engine, Hardware Debut
Not just volunteer service. This year, the College of Automotive and Energy of Tongji University, together with its student formula racing teams, arrived at the F1 Shanghai leg. They specially created the “Tongji Engine” exhibition area at the “Dream Jia Theme Park” in the Waterfront Plaza of the Shanghai International Circuit, becoming a unique attraction outside the F1 paddock.
The exhibition core showcased the TR25 formula car, the DRe24 electric formula car, and the DRd25 driverless electric formula car, all independently designed and built by Tongji University students for the 2025 season.
The TR25 from the UniX Racing Team features a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis and an independently designed electronically controlled lateral stability system, showcasing ultimate speed and cutting-edge technology. It won the first prize in the 2025 Formula Student China competition and the championship in the high-speed slalom event.
The DRe24 from DIAN Racing continues the four-motor drive layout, aiming for maximum speed and stability. It explores metal 3D printing for lightweighting, incorporates ultrasonic welding technology and modular wiring harnesses, combining strong aerodynamic performance with overall stability. This car won the fastest lap award in the endurance event at the 2024 Formula Student Electric China competition.
The DRd25 from the Tongji Driverless Team has undergone innovative unmanned modifications, achieving topology-optimized steering and drive, with a complete simulation and testing process, demonstrating research strength in intelligent driving. This car won the Best System Design Award at the 2025 Formula Student Autonomous China competition.
From classroom knowledge to track practice, from traditional fuel to intelligent electric, every car on display is an epitome of Tongji University’s promotion of the “digitalization, greening, and integration” development of the automotive industry. Here, visitors can experience up close the technological innovation and craftsmanship spirit of young Chinese automotive engineers, witness the deep integration of university research achievements with the automotive industry, and appreciate the future possibilities of Chinese automotive fields.
The “Xiao Qing Ning” safeguard the warmth of the venue with their warm smiles.
The “Tongji Engine” drives the speed of the future with hardware strength. On the F1 stage, Tongji people interpret the same passion in different ways. Their steps are always moving forward.
Source: Publicity Department of the Party Committee, Tongji University Youth League Committee
College of Automotive and Energy
Editor: Chen Shaoying
Managing Editor: Nie Yangyang
TONGJI
Recommended Reading
Where is Spring? Spring at Tongji ꕥꕥꕥ
Signing! Tongji University 🤝 Guangxi University
Life Never Stops! Tongji, Moving Towards Green!
Like!