2023 Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix cancelled due to ‘ongoing difficulties’ with COVID
Next year's Chinese Grand Prix has been cancelled by Formula 1 because of "ongoing difficulties" with Covid.
The Shanghai race was due to return in April for the first time since 2019. However, despite discussions between F1 executives and Chinese officials in recent weeks a satisfactory conclusion could not be reached.
F1 says it would not be able to operate normally in China and cannot justify risks to staff involved in travelling.
China had been scheduled to host the fourth race of the 2023 season on 16th April.
The news, revealed by BBC Sport late last month, was officially announced today by F1.
A statement said the race would not take place because of "the ongoing difficulties presented by the Covid-19 situation", noting "Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course."
The sport will only fill the date if it can reach a satisfactory financial deal.
The Portimao circuit in Portugal, which hosted grands prix in 2020 and 2021 when F1 shuffled its schedule as a result of the pandemic, is one of the tracks under consideration.
Istanbul Park in Turkey, another track that returned in the pandemic, is also likely to be in contention.
Next year's F1 calendar had been scheduled to features a record 24 races - the longest ever even if China is not replaced.
Protests have been held in China in recent days over its 'zero COVID' policies, which include regular lockdowns and isolation imposed on infected people and contacts.
Related Articles
22nd November 2022 - China’s ongoing Coronavirus restrictions set to see cancellation of 2023 Formula 1 Shanghai Grand Prix
1st November 2022 - Shanghai Disney shuts as visitors unable to leave without negative COVID test
28th October 2022 - Ongoing Chinese COVID prevention measures result in new closure of Universal Beijing Resort
24th September 2022 - 2023 Formula 1 season to feature record 24-race calendar
30th May 2022 - Empty Stadiums a sign of China’s fading football dream
16th May 2022 - Singapore Airlines extends sponsorship for home Formula 1 Grand Prix
27th March 2022 - Saudi Arabia F1 Grand Prix to proceed despite attack on nearby oil depot
18th February 2022 - FIA removes controversial Formula 1 race director from role
6th December 2021 - Formula 1 makes dramatic Saudi Arabian debut
25th October 2021 - New Chinese COVID outbreaks sees postponement of Beijing and Wuhan marathons
16th October 2021 - Formula 1 releases 23-race calendar for 2022 season
1st October 2021 - Formula 1 adds Qatar race to 2021 schedule with 10-year deal to begin in 2023
18th August 2021 - Cancellation of Japanese Grand Prix means no Formula 1 races in east Asia in 2021
9th August 2021 - Formula 1 records US$500 million in revenue during last quarter
13th January 2021 - Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed to second half of 2021
16th June 2020 - F1 looks to stage two Grand Prix in China this year
13th February 2020 - Coronavirus fears sees postponement of F1 Chinese Grand Prix
12th February 2020 - Coronavirus continues to impact China’s sports events
5th February 2020 - Shanghai Sports Federation suspends all sporting events casting doubt on F1 Grand Prix