Chinese Grand Prix scrapped for 2023 after Covid talks fail to find solution

The Chinese Grand Prix has officially been axed from next season’s Formula 1 calendar.

Formula 1 bosses had hoped it could find a resolution to China’s Covid policies for the race but has now given up in that quest.

The Chinese GP was part of a marathon 24-race calendar for 2023 but it could yet be replaced.

A Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao was mooted this week as a possible replacement but is thought to be only one of a number of race tracks having put themselves forward. Any news on any substitute race is not expected to be made until the new year.

F1 had planned to return to Shanghai to race for the first time since 2019 but Chinese authorities would not budge on their Covid restrictions.

A major stumbling block concerned any F1 personnel testing positive for Covid while in the country having to be quarantined at an isolation facility for at least five days and then a further three days at their hotel.