JAKARTA Formula 1 officially canceled the Chinese Grand Prix next year. The decision was made due to the "ongoing difficulties" due to COVID-19.
The event, which took place at the Shanghai Circuit, was supposed to return to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2019. If not canceled, the race there should take place on April 16 and will be the fourth series of the 2023 season.
However, China's 'zero COVID-19' policy makes F1 feel it will not be able to operate normally. They also don't want to take risks for staff traveling there.
The sports officials have actually had discussions with Chinese officials in recent weeks. However, it could not reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Formula 1 is assessing alternative options for changing slots on the 2023 calendar and will provide updates in due course, said a F1 statement quoted by BBC Sport, Friday, December 2, 2022.
The cancellation of the race in China made F1 now consider the race at the Portimao Circuit in Portugal.
The trajectory previously hosted the Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021. At that time, F1 chose Portimao after changing its schedule due to the pandemic.
In addition, Istanbul Park in Turkey is also likely to be one of the options that can be chosen to replace Shanghai.
Next year's F1 calendar is planned to take place as many as 24 series, which is a new record for the sport. It will be the longest season even if there is no substitute race for China.
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