Chinese Grand Prix axed for fourth year in a row
Formula One’s Chinese Grand Prix was yesterday cancelled for the fourth year in a row because of strict measures on the mainland to curb the spread of Covid-19, with the sport looking for a possible replacement.
The race at the Shanghai International Circuit next year would have been the first since 2019 and had been scheduled for April 16 as the fourth stop on a record 24-round calendar that also promises a spectacular debut in Las Vegas.
The cancellation came as no surprise, with the race recognised as being uncertain by Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali in a Liberty Media third-quarter earnings call with analysts.
“Formula One can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the Covid-19 situation,” a statement said.
“Formula One is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.”
Beijing, which has stuck to a zero-Covid policy for the mainland, has the world’s toughest measures in place to counter the spread of the virus including enforced quarantine in centralised facilities for positive cases.
Formula One and local organisers had tried to find a solution to enable the race to go ahead but, with 10 teams and large numbers of people set to fly in, found the obstacles too great to justify risks to staff involved in travelling.
Various alternatives have been touted in the media, including Portugal’s Portimao circuit that was used as a replacement in 2020 and last year for races cancelled during the pandemic.
Istanbul Park in Turkey, another track that returned during the pandemic, is also likely to be in contention.
While Formula One is talking to interested parties, it could also reduce the calendar to 23 races – still a record – with a four-week gap between Australia on April 2 and Azerbaijan on April 30.
The cancellation will be a blow for China’s first and only Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu, who made his debut with Alfa Romeo this season and has yet to experience racing in front of his home crowd.
The decision comes at a time when mainland cities further unwound Covid restrictions yesterday, loosening testing and quarantine rules amid protests calling for an end to lockdowns and greater political freedoms.
Anger over the zero-Covid policy – which involves mass lockdowns, constant testing and quarantines even for people who are not infected – has sparked protests in major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The Beijing Winter Olympics were held early last year in a so-called bubble environment with regular virus tests for participants, but the mainland has seen few other international sports events during the pandemic.
Next year’s Formula One season will start in Bahrain on March 5 and end in Abu Dhabi on November 26.
It will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the Covid-19 situation
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