F1 2023 Schedule: Three startling changes in the calendar for next season

The F1 2023 calendar has come out just a few hours back, and the longest race calendar in the history of the sport has got the whole world talking about it. Moreover, the calendar for next season has brought with it quite a few surprises that have caught the pundits and the F1 teams off their guard.

Ahead of today’s announcement, there was a lot of chatter in the F1 paddock as to what the 2023 calendar is going to look like and now with the calendar out, there are a few startling changes that deserve a mention.

• 1. Belgium before the summer break

While the most significant change that has come to F1 for 2023 is the 24-race calendar, there is another tweak that has come absolutely out of the blue considering the history of the sport.

The 2023 F1 calendar has been approved by the FIA. Season starts on March 5 in Bahrain, and ends on November 26 in Abu Dhabi as part of a double-header with Las Vegas #F1 pic.twitter.com/2NSnrN36hI

— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) September 20, 2022

The Belgium Grand Prix holds a special place on the F1 calendar and is usually an event that takes place after the end of the summer break. However, F1 has turned the table upside down by placing the race at the Spa Francorchamps Circuit before the start of the summer break. The Belgium Grand Prix is the 14th round for next season and is slated to take place on the 30th of July.

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The F1 2023 calendar has brought back China and has added Las Vegas

• 2. Chinese GP returns

The F1 2022 campaign has got only six races left on it and considering this fact, F1 has brought the calendar out for next season at just about the right time. Moreover, there are a few other changes that were seen coming ahead of today’s announcement.

One of the major changes that have caught the attention of the media, especially in Asia, is the fact that the Chinese Grand Prix has found a place for itself on the 2023 calendar.

The last time an F1 race took place in China was in 2019, and with the race confirmed for next season, it is making a comeback to F1 after a hiatus of more than three years. The race at the Shanghai International Circuit is going to be the fourth race of the season and will take place on the 16th of April 2023.

• 3. Three races in the USA

F1 in recent years has significantly increased its efforts to promote the sport in America, and while working in that direction added the Miami Grand Prix for the current campaign.

Moreover, this year’s race in Miami was an instant hit among the fans in America, and considering this in mind, F1 has added Las Vegas as another venue for the races that are going to take place in the USA next year.

With Las Vegas being the latest edition, America is going to host three races next year and the newest entrant is slated to take place during the closing stages of the 2023 season. Las Vegas will mark the penultimate race of the season and is going to take place on the 18th of November.

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Also Read: Longest F1 calendar ever: FIA reveals new 2023 schedule with 24 races