Formula 1 cancels 2023 Chinese Grand Prix amidst ongoing Covid-19 crisis in China


Formula 1 cancels 2023 Chinese Grand Prix amidst  ongoing Covid-19 crisis in China

F1 cancels the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix due to Covid-19 restrictions

Formula 1 has finally announced the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix as the Chinese state enforces further restrictions due to the worsening Covid-19 outbreak in the country. In a recent post, F1 confirmed the removal of the event from the 2023 calendar after following dialogues with the promoters of the race, as well as the Chinese authorities. F1 stated this decision was taken due to the “ongoing difficulties presented by the Covid-19 situation.”

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China has been struggling with the virus ever since the global outbreak, which forced the promoters to abandon hosting the event in 2020 and 2021 as well. With the recent rise in cases and the failure of the authorities to handle the situation, things have gotten worse for the citizens and the Chinese economy as a whole. This has put the sport on the back foot in its hopes of the race for the world’s most populous country again. This decision also forces Zhou Guanyu to miss out on another opportunity for his first home race.

The 2019 Chinese Grand Prix was the 1000th race of the sport

The race is held at the Shanghai International Circuit in the city of Shanghai and the track had established itself as a favorite of fans and drivers alike, with its unique corners and one of the longest back straights in the sport. The track also held the 1000th F1 race in 2019, which was won by Lewis Hamilton. It was completed in 2004 and at its time was the world’s most expensive Formula 1 circuit, costing a whopping $240 Million in construction.

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F1 is accessing replacements for the Chinese Grand Prix

Chinese star Zhou Guanyu will be forced to wait another year for his first home Grand Prix

Formula 1, also mentioned the sport’s efforts in finding replacements for the race in Shanghai, stating, “Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.” The sport was prepared to have its longest season in history with 24 races next year, however, this cancellation might be a spanner in the works as it looks to find a suitable replacement for the April slot.

The Chinese race being forced out of the calendar is a massive shame, considering the locals’ 3-year-long wait to attend the race again, however safety is always the priority and it is a wise decision taking into account the current situation in the country. With the sport’s ever-increasing popularity, there might be several circuits ready to host a Grand Prix, perhaps we can see a return of one of the classic old-time tracks like Hockenheim.

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