The Chinese Grand Prix has been removed from the Formula 1 2023 calendar, making it the fourth consecutive year the race will not take place. From 2004 to 2019, Formula 1 held an annual Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, but the pandemic prevented the event from taking place in 2020. China’s COVID Zero policy and associated isolation regulations prevented Formula 1 from returning in 2021 and 2022.
The event was scheduled to take place on April 16, but it was officially canceled due to ongoing difficulties with the COVID-19 situation. This creates a four-week gap in the schedule between the Australian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
BREAKING: Formula 1 has cancelled the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix, as a result of the country’s strict Covid policies. pic.twitter.com/W1HeZS3u5O
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 2, 2022
Formula 1 Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali had been in discussions with officials in Azerbaijan to bring its race forward by one week to avoid a strenuous back-to-back race weekend with Miami on May 7, but this plan was met with resistance by the new promoter in Azerbaijan.
Formula 1 remains in dialogue with several parties to fill the vacated April 16 date, but they will not pursue this at any cost just to maintain a 24-event schedule. Transporting freight from Australia to any replacement venue and then on to the next round in Azerbaijan could create financial complications.
When is Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023?
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the fourth race of the 2023 F1 season, will take place from Friday, 28 April to Sunday, 30 April. The race is being held four weeks after the Australian Grand Prix, which was won by Max Verstappen, who received 25 points. Lewis Hamilton came in second with 18 points, and Fernando Alonso secured third place with 15 points. The Baku City Circuit, which hosted its first Grand Prix in 2016, will be the venue for the event. It is one of the newest circuits to join the ranks of Monaco, Singapore, and Melbourne.
The Baku race will be the first race in the 2023 calendar to feature the Sprint format, which was introduced in 2021. Formula 1 announced that the calendar would have a total of six Sprint races. While the new format has been appreciated by some, others are divided on its effectiveness. The format change could potentially alter the outcome of the race and create some unexpected upsets.
ICYMI: Here’s a reminder of the updated driver and team standings after a truly unforgettable 2023 Australian GP.
Next up: the Azerbaijan GP, April 28-30 🇦🇿🏁#F1 #Fit4F1 #AusGP @ausgrandprix @Pirelli @pirellisport @Pirelli__ME #Melbourne 🇦🇺🏁 pic.twitter.com/FPg9c1rEky— Hive PR MENA (@hiveprme) April 3, 2023
Red Bull has been dominant this season, with Verstappen and Sergio Pérez winning three races. Ferrari has not had the start to the season they were hoping for, and they will be looking to turn things around in Baku. Despite their driver Charles Leclerc‘s impressive qualifying performances, the team has struggled with the pace and is lagging behind teams like Aston Martin and Mercedes.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to be an exciting event, with the introduction of the Sprint format and the possibility of upsets. Red Bull is expected to continue their dominance, but Ferrari could surprise everyone if they can get their act together. Fans and critics alike will be eagerly watching the race to see who comes out on top.