Formula 1 fails to replace cancelled Chinese GP and reverts to 23 race calendar

Formula 1 has opted to not replace the cancelled Chinese Grand Prix which means the 2023 season will feature 23 races

(Motorsport) Formula 1 has officially confirmed that the 2023 season will feature 23 races after opting to not replace the cancelled Chinese GP. This means that there will be a four week gap between round three and round four with the Australian Grand Prix taking place on April 2nd and the Azerbaijan GP on April 30. Formula 1 had held discussions with organisers from Turkey and Portugal for the April 16th slot which was previously occupied by the Chinese GP but ultimately opted to not replace the event with an alternative.

“Formula 1 can confirm that the 2023 season will consist of 23 races. That means the season will kick off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5, and finish up in Abu Dhabi on November 26, with the brand new Las Vegas Grand Prix joining the calendar a week before the season finale.”
A statement released by Formula 1

Locked in 🔒

The 2023 F1 calendar will feature 23 races#F1 pic.twitter.com/p8PW8FFIO2
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 17, 2023

The Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled due to the current COVID-19 situation in the country, which means that the event will not take place for the fourth year in a row. The last time the Chinese GP took place was in 2019 but due to the country’s zero-Covid policy combined with heavy restrictions and continuous lockdown, it has been impossible for the event to take place since. The 2023 Formula 1 season will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5th but pre-season testing will take place between February 23rd to 25th.

The 2023 Formula 1 calendar

March 5: Bahrain (Sakhir)
March 19: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
April 2: Australia (Melbourne)
April 30: Azerbaijan (Baku)*
May 7: Miami (Miami)
May 21: Emilia Romagna (Imola)
May 28: Monaco (Monaco)
June 4: Spain (Barcelona)
June 18: Canada (Montreal)
July 2: Austria (Spielberg)*
July 9: Great Britain (Silverstone)
July 23: Hungary (Budapest)
July 30: Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)*
August 27: Netherlands (Zandvoort)
September 3: Italy (Monza)
September 17: Singapore (Marina Bay)
September 24: Japan (Suzuka)
October 8: Qatar (Losail)*
October 22: USA (Austin)*
October 29: Mexico (Mexico City)
November 5: Brazil (São Paulo)*
November 18: Las Vegas
November 26: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)