Formula 1 has cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix from the 2023 calendar due to China’s covid policy. The race, which was held last in 2019, was scheduled to hold in April 2023, the first time in four years. But that would no longer go on as earlier planned. At the moment, Formula 1 is looking for a race to replace it with to maintain the 24-race calendar proposed for next year.

At this point, the cancellation of the Chinese GP is no longer news, as it is something some F1 fans may have been looking out for, given that this is the fourth year in a row it would be cancelled. 

According to F1, the decision to cancel the race was prompted by the “ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation” in the country. There have been lockdowns in certain parts of China these past months, and it looks like we would still be having lockdowns well into 2023. 

Part of the statement from F1 reads: “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 alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.”

If no replacement is found, F1 would have to proceed with 23 races next year, which is still an impressive number. Among some of the tracks which could replace the Chinese GP includes the Portimao circuit in Portugal, which held races in 2020 and 2021. It would be interesting to see the Portuguese Grand Prix show up once again on the calendar. Another race that could fill the vacuum is the Turkish GP, which was also held last in 2021. 

It is expected that F1 would give an update on which direction they will take as we enter the New Year. 

Leon Osamor