Formula 1 has confirmed that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will be cancelled due to the ongoing strict Covid restrictions in the country, after reports surfaced last month, according to Eurosport.

The sport was set for a return to China after a four-year absence, with the race scheduled to be the fourth one in the calendar and take place on April 16.

But China’s decision to implement a zero-Covid policy means it was deemed not possible to host a race at the Shanghai International Circuit, with the country continuing to impose heavy restrictions and lockdowns.

With this cancellation, the schedule has at least temporarily been reduced to 23 races, but possible replacements have already been discussed.

However, Sky Sports report that F1 are in no hurry to fill the current four-week gap between the Australian and Azerbaijan GPs in April.

They should have few problems filling the void with a number of parties interested in taking the race, including Portugal.

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency