China Grand Prix 2023: ‘Ongoing troubles’ with Covid lead to cancellation of Formula One competition

Due to ongoing issues with Covid, Formula One confirmed on Friday that the China Grand Prix 2023 had been cancelled.

According to a statement on their website, Formula 1 announced, following dialogue with the promoter and necessary agencies, that the Chinese Grand Prix 2023 will not occur due to the persistent challenges created by the Coronavirus scenario.

Due to China's Covid rules, the event in Shanghai was supposed to be added to the schedule for the very first year since 2019 but has been cancelled. Formula 1 issued a statement saying that Formula 1 is planning for alternatives to replace the spot on the 2023 schedule and will give an insight on this in due course. Last year, F1 renewed its agreement with the Chinese Grand Prix through 2025.




The decision was made at a time when cities all around China significantly relaxed Covid restrictions in response to national demonstrations demanding an end to lockdowns and more political freedom.

Protests and strikes have been held in cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, to express their anger over China's zero-Covid policy, which entails ongoing testing, widespread lockdowns and quarantines even for those who are not affected.

FAQs:

1. What is the China Grand Prix?
   China Grand Prix is a sports car race event.
2. For how many years has the China Grand Prix not been taking place?
   The China Grand Prix has not taken place for four years.