Chinese Grand Prix cancelled due to China’s strict Covid restrictions, Formula 1 exploring other options

The sport was set for a return to China after a four-year absence, with the race scheduled to be the fourth one in the calendar and take place on April 16.

But China’s decision to implement a zero-Covid policy means it was deemed not possible to host a race at the Shanghai International Circuit, with the country continuing to impose heavy restrictions and lockdowns.

With this cancellation, the schedule has at least temporarily been reduced to 23 races, but possible replacements have already been discussed.

They should have few problems filling the void with a number of parties interested in taking the race, including Portugal.

The race would be held at the Portimao circuit, which was included in both of the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on November 18, in what will be the penultimate race of the season ahead of the traditional end to the campaign in Abu Dhabi a week later.

Vegas has already hosted races in 1981 and 1982, but this will be the first time it will take in the main sights of the desert city, featuring the iconic Vegas Strip.

It will be the third race in the US next year, with Grand Prixes also planned in Austin and Miami among a record number of 23 races taking place.

The full schedule is listed below.

• March 5: Bahrain (Sakhir)
• March 19: Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)
• April 2: Australia (Melbourne)
• April 16: China (Shanghai)
• 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 (Sao Paulo)
• November 18: Las Vegas
• November 26: Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)