Formula One will have a four-week hole in this season’s calendar after the sport confirmed the Chinese Grand Prix would not be replaced.
The race in Shanghai – which had been due to take place on 16 April – was cancelled last month amid ongoing coronavirus restrictions in the country. Despite Chinese officials subsequently moving away from their zero-Covid policy, the round could not be salvaged, marking the fourth season it has been scrubbed from the racing schedule.
F1 executives assessed a number of options to fill the vacant slot – with Portimao in the Algarve understood to be the main contender. But the sport’s chiefs decided against the logistical headache of diverting to Portugal following the third round of the season in Melbourne, Australia, on 2 April, and then on to Azerbaijan.
It is believed F1 explored the opportunity of bringing the race in Baku forward by a week, but it was confirmed on Tuesday that the fixture on 30 April will not be moved.
The season begins in Bahrain on 5 March – and concludes in Abu Dhabi on 26 November – and features a record 23 rounds, one more than last year.
F1 said in a statement: “Formula One can confirm the 2023 season will consist of 23 races. All existing race dates on the calendar remain unchanged.”
The grid’s 10 teams will unveil their new machines next month ahead of the sport’s sole pre-season test which takes place over three days in Bahrain, starting on 23 February.
