Formula One announced on Friday that the Chinese Grand Prix for next year has been canceled due to Covid-19 problems.
This was the first F1 race to be held in China in 2019.
The strict Covid-19 protocol in the United States has left F1 to “evaluate alternative options” regarding the fourth race for 2023.
The statement stated that “Formula 1 has confirmed, after dialogue with promoters and the relevant authorities that the Chinese Grand Prix 2023 will not be held due to ongoing difficulties caused by the COVID-19 issue.” It added that a “further update” on an alternate location would “be provided in due time”.
Thousands of protesters have demonstrated in China’s cities over the last week against the zero-Covid Strategy.
As of this Friday, China continues to lockdown thousands of residential buildings classified as high-risk.
The number of cases in the last week has been near record levels, and more than 34,000 infections were reported on Thursday.
According to state-run media Xinhua, China’s senior official responsible for its Covid response has told health officials this week that China faces a new stage in the fight against pandemics. This could indicate an update to Beijing’s zero-Covid strategy.
Bahrain is set to host the 2023 F1 Season on 5 March. This will kick off a 24-race campaign, provided that a different location replaces the Chinese Grand Prix.
