Formula 1: Chinese GP to be cancelled because of the country's Covid policies

The cancellation of China's return to the Formula 1 schedule next year is due to the country's Covid policies, according to a report.

The fourth race of the Formula 1 calendar was to be held in China in 2023.

The race can't go ahead because of China's zero- Covid policy.

F1 staff wouldn't be given exemptions from the Quarantine requirements if they were to suffer a Covid-19 infections.

F1 doesn't want teams to go to the country for the race if they have a chance of catching the coronaviruses.

Anyone found with Covid-19 must be isolated for five days at an isolation center and three days at home.

The decision to end the race is expected by the chairman and CEO of F1 Stefano Domenicali.

F1 refused to comment.

The calendar will be cut to 23 races because the sport is not expected to replace China with another race.

There will be a four week gap between the Australian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after China's cancellation.

Domenicali is trying to get the race moved a week to 23 April, but is facing resistance.

It is expected that the gap will be left unfilled if Baku can't be persuaded to leave.

The race contract for Azerbaijan is due to end next year.

The planned race at Kyalami in South Africa was expected to cause F1 to drop the race.

One of the largest fees of any race is paid by Azerbaijan.

Which races will be sprints?

Six races that will host the main grand prix in 2023 are close to being decided, thanks to F1's analysis of which tracks are best for sprint events.

The United States GP in Austin, Texas, and Brazil will be hosted by F1 this year.

Saudi authorities have objected to the fee being demanded by F1 in order to host a sprint event in the country.

There is a possibility of a sprint being held at the event. If talks resume and an agreement is reached, it's likely to be replaced by another country.

The number of sprint events is going to double next year because F1 is interested in them.

There is a one-third distance race on Saturday in place of qualifications. The grid for the main Grand Prix is decided by the result of the sprint and will be decided on Friday.