Formula 1: Chinese GP cancelled because of country's 'ongoing difficulties' with Covid

By Andrew BensonChief F1 writer

Last updated on 49 minutes ago49 minutes ago.From the section Formula 1

The Chinese Grand Prix has been canceled due to ongoing difficulties with Covid.

The race was going to be held in April.

In recent days there have been protests in China over its "zero Covid" policies, which include regular lockdowns and isolation of people and contacts.

It would not be possible for F1 to operate normally in China.

In the last few weeks, the sport's bosses have been in discussions with Chinese officials, but were unable to come to an agreement.

F1 confirmed the news on Friday.

The race wouldn't happen because of the difficulties presented by the Covid-19 situation.

The fourth race of the season was to be held in China.

Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will give an update on this in due course.

If a satisfactory financial deal can be reached, the date will be filled.

The Portimao circuit in Portugal hosted grands prix in 2020 and 2021.

Istanbul Park is one of the tracks that came back in the Pandemic.

Even if China is not replaced, next year's F1 calendar will feature a record 24 races.