The Chinese Grand Prix that was due to take place next year has been cancelled.
Formula 1 said the Shanghai event set to take place on 16 April would not take place “due to ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation”.
The sport is now facing a four-week hole in the 2023 calendar with the defunct round in China sandwiched between races in Melbourne on 2 April and Azerbaijan on 30 April.
But it is understood F1 bosses are in dialogue with a number of interested venues about filling the gap to ensure a record 24 rounds still go ahead.
A statement from F1 said: “Formula 1 can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation.
“Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.”
The cancellation of the race in China marks the fourth season it has been scrubbed from the schedule.
The last time the race went ahead in 2019, it was won by Sir Lewis Hamilton on his way to his sixth world title.
The 2023 season will start in Bahrain on March 5 and conclude in Abu Dhabi on November 26.
