F1 confirms the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place

Due to the country’s travel restrictions as it continues to pursue a zero-COVID policy, which has recently sparked protests in a number of major cities, F1 has not raced in China since 2019. The Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled for April 16 in 2023, although it was always subject to regulations being loosened in time for F1 to enter the nation and conduct the race successfully. F1 stated it is looking at alternative options as a replacement round in a statement released on Friday, but China will not be taking place in 2019.

The statement read, “Formula 1 can confirm that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 situation after dialogue with the promoter and pertinent authorities. Formula 1 will provide an update on this in due time. “Formula 1 is evaluating alternative ideas to replace the space on the 2023 schedule.” The Australian Grand Prix on April 2 and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on April 30 are separated by a four-week break due to China’s cancellation.

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No decision yet

F1 had hoped to move Azerbaijan ahead to close the gap, but officials in Baku insisted on sticking with the date they had set during discussions with F1 boss Stefano Domenicali. F1 is now left to consider additional events that could replace China on the calendar, keeping the schedule at its maximum of 24 events in 2019. Returning to Portimao, where the Portuguese Grand Prix was held as a make-up event in 2020 and 2021 when the COVID-19 epidemic prompted extensive cancellations of the schedule, is one possibility.

With several other tracks interested in taking the spot, a final decision hasn’t been made yet and isn’t expected for at least a few weeks. Despite the likelihood that a European race will fill the time slot, F1 must organise the freight between the flyaways in Australia and Azerbaijan and the associated costs.