Formula One will have a four-week hole in this season’s calendar after the sport’s bosses confirmed the Chinese Grand Prix would not be replaced. The race in Shanghai – which had been due to take place on April 16 – was cancelled last month amid ongoing coronavirus restrictions in the country. But the sport’s chiefs decided against the logistical headache of diverting to Portugal following the third round of the season in Melbourne, Australia on April 2, and then on to Azerbaijan. The season begins in Bahrain on March 5 – and concludes in Abu Dhabi on November 26 – and features a record 23 rounds, one more than last year. F1 said in a statement: “Formula One can confirm the 2023 season will consist of 23 races.

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