The F1 Chinese Grand Prix was last held in 2019. AFP
The F1 Chinese Grand Prix was last held in 2019. AFP
The F1 Chinese Grand Prix was last held in 2019. AFP
The F1 Chinese Grand Prix was last held in 2019. AFP

Sport

F1

Chinese Grand Prix cancelled for fourth successive year due to Covid-19

Race in Shanghai was scheduled to take place in April as part of a record 24-round calendar

The National

December 02, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Formula One's Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled for the fourth year in a row on Friday due to strict local measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The 2023 race in Shanghai was scheduled for April 16 as the fourth stop on a record 24-round calendar, but will not take place now.

The last time the race was staged in Shanghai was in 2019.

"Formula One 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 One said in a statement.

"Formula One is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course."

Anger over China's zero-Covid policy - which involves mass lockdowns, constant testing and quarantines even for people who are not infected - has sparked protests in major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The Covid-19 situation in China remains difficult even though Beijing is starting to allow some virus-infected people to isolate at home, starting with residents of the city’s most-populous district.

The sport is now facing a four-week hole in the 2023 calendar with the defunct round in China sandwiched by races in Melbourne on April 2 and Azerbaijan on April 30.

The Press Association reported that F1 bosses are in dialogue with a number of interested venues about filling the gap.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, presents the trophy to the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull last year. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, presents the trophy to the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull last year. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court
Max Verstappen celebrates victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022. All pictures Victor Besa / The National
Max Verstappen celebrates victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022. All pictures Victor Besa / The National
Max Verstappen on the podium with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez
Max Verstappen on the podium with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez of Mercedes finished first and third
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez of Mercedes finished first and third
Sebastian Vettel says goodbye and thank you to fans after his last race
Sebastian Vettel says goodbye and thank you to fans after his last race
Fans celebrate Verstappen's victory
Fans celebrate Verstappen's victory
Max Verstappen of Red Bull on his way to victory
Max Verstappen of Red Bull on his way to victory
The start of the race at Yas Marina Circuit
The start of the race at Yas Marina Circuit
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action before he was forced to retire
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action before he was forced to retire
F1 champion and race winner Max Verstappen dominated in Abu Dhabi, as he has for most of the season
F1 champion and race winner Max Verstappen dominated in Abu Dhabi, as he has for most of the season
The Al Fursan aerial display team above Yas Marina Circuit before the start of the race
The Al Fursan aerial display team above Yas Marina Circuit before the start of the race
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Updated: December 02, 2022, 11:55 AM
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