Formula 1 has confirmed the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix for the fourth straight year in 2023 due to Covid-19.
While the rest of the world has been opening up during this year, China has continued with a zero-Covid approach leading to large-scale lockdowns for just a handful of cases and mandatory quarantine for visitors.
After growing unrest in recent days, there have been signs that the country is starting to ease some measures. But F1 along with promoters and authorities in Shanghai have decided to call off the race once again due to “ongoing difficulties”.
Originally, F1 chiefs had indicated they would not seek to replace any cancelled races next year, but that approach appears to have changed with the statement adding…
“Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.”
And it appears the location in pole position to fill that slot is Portimao, which hosted two races as part of Covid-affected calendars in 2020 and 2021.
“Portugal once again on the F1 route,” commentator Joao Carlos Costa tweeted on Thursday.
“Imminent decision – Portimão should replace China in the 2023 calendar. Small details are missing, to be resolved before the FIA World Council, scheduled for December 9, in Bologna.
“Portuguese fans, what a Christmas gift!”