This decision comes as cities across China continue to loosen restrictions on Covid, easing testing and quarantine regulations in the wake of nationwide protests calling for the end of lockdowns and greater political freedom.
Friday’s cancellation of the China Grand Prix by Formula One for the fourth year in a row was due to ongoing issues with the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a statement that can be found on their website, “F1 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.”
Due to stringent local measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Chinese Grand Prix of Formula One was canceled on Friday for the fourth year in a row. As the fourth stop on a record-setting 24-round schedule, the 2023 race in Shanghai had been scheduled for April 16; however, the cancellation was not unexpected.
“Formula 1 will provide an update on this in due course.” “Formula 1 is evaluating alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar.”
In 2019, the race was held for the last time in Shanghai.
In response to nationwide protests calling for an end to lockdowns and greater political freedoms, the decision was made as cities across China further relaxed Covid restrictions on Friday, loosening testing and quarantine regulations.
Protests have taken place in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou due to anger over China’s zero-Covid policy, which includes widespread lockdowns, continuous testing, and quarantines even for individuals who are not infected.
Even though Beijing is beginning to allow some virus-infected individuals to isolate at home, beginning with residents of the city’s most populous district, the Covid-19 situation in China remains challenging.
With the canceled round in China sandwiched between races in Melbourne on April 2 and Azerbaijan on April 30, the sport now faces a four-week break in 2023.
According to the Press Association, F1 executives are discussing filling the void with a number of interesting venues.
Portugal and Turkey could be used as replacements, but this will depend on how much money is available.
In 2020 and 2021, Portugal hosted the Grand Prix at Portimao. In 2021, Istanbul Park hosted its last Grand Prix.
The campaign will be the longest ever, with 23 rounds, even if China is not replaced, which would have made it the fourth race on the schedule.