November 22, (THEWILL) – The 2023 Chinese Grand Prix has reportedly been cancelled owing to the nation’s COVID-19 rules, meaning that the return of Formula 1 to China will have to wait another year.
Shanghai has not hosted an F1 race since 2019, but it was planned to host the fourth race of the 2023 season in April. But, China’s zero-COVID policy will prevent the race from taking place.
An increase in COVID-19 cases has resulted in Beijing’s parks and museums being closed this week, and mass testing has resumed in various areas. According to China’s COVID regulations, individuals who test positive must isolate for eight days—five at an isolation facility and three at home.
International arrivals are now permitted, but F1 has chosen to cancel the race because of the stringent isolation requirements, especially in the event any staff members test positive.
Due to the cancellation, there will be a gap of four weeks between the Australian Grand Prix on April 2 and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on April 30.
It is said that F1 is in discussions to move the Azerbaijan Grand Prix up a week to April 23. Since it seems unlikely that the Chinese Grand Prix will be replaced, there will only be 23 events on the schedule, which is still a record.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
