Formula 1 has cancelled the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix.
The sport had been set to return to China for first time since 2019, in what was scheduled to be the fourth spherical of a file 24-race season on April 16.
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However, with China persevering with to implement a zero-Covid coverage, which has led to heavy restrictions and continued lockdowns, F1 has determined it isn’t possible to carry a race on the Shanghai International Circuit.
The cancellation reduces the schedule to 23 rounds, though F1 are understood to be in discussions about attainable replacements.
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There is presently a four-week hole between races in Australia and Azerbaijan at the start and finish of April however there are a number of events in taking China’s spot, together with Portimao for a Portuguese GP, which returned to F1 in 2020 and ’21.
A 23-race calendar would nonetheless be a file for F1, with a bumper schedule together with a debut Saturday evening race in Las Vegas.
F1 expects to substantiate whether or not the spherical in Shanghai might be changed within the New Year.
F1 mentioned in a press release: “Formula 1 can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation.
“Formula 1 is assessing different choices to interchange the slot on the 2023 calendar and can present an replace on this sooner or later.”