F1 have officially confirmed that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix has been cancelled amidst fears over COVID-19. The forthcoming season was mostly expected to be away from Europe. And China was the fourth round of the races, but it now needs a replacement.
It was expected to be held after Bahrein (March 5) and visits to Saudi Arabia (March 19) and Australia (April 2). And the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (April 30) was set to follow. But, Portimao in Portugal has emerged as a replacement option so far.
2023 Chinese Grand Prix cancelled after COVID-19 fears
“Formula 1 confirms that, following dialogue with the promoter and the authorities, the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the difficulties presented by the current COVID-19 situation,” the statement read.
The F1 could not race in China for the last three seasons, due to COVID-19 fears. And even though a return was announced recently, there were doubts about the possibility of the race actually going through.
April 16 will now need a new location, otherwise there is a risk of a four-week hiatus in the very beginning of the season. The 2023 season will have the most races ever in an F1 calendar at 24. And there are several options that could be looked at as a replacement.
A double stop at Australia or Azerbaijan could take place, or the introduction of a new location. There is also a possibility of an early spring break, which would keep the number of races at 23.
