F1 News: 2023 Season Confirmed To Be 23 Races
Formula 1 has officially announced that the Chinese Grand Prix will not be reinstated or replaced, and has locked in the 23 races for the upcoming season. This decision comes after the Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled in December due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Despite the restrictions being lifted slightly in the New Year, the event organisers decided to cancel the race weekend all together due to the high number of coronavirus cases in China and to minimise travel between races.
The sport is focused on its goal of being carbon neutral by 2030, and this decision aligns with that goal by organizing races in a way that makes geographical sense and reduces excess traveling. Additionally, the decision to cancel the Chinese Grand Prix gives the drivers and teams a four week gap between the Australian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which is likely to be welcomed by many who have expressed concerns over the increased number of races. This break will provide the teams and drivers with an opportunity to rest and recover, and prepare for the next set of races.
Mercedes CEO and team principal Toto Wolff has also discussed the importance of bringing in a “hard stop” for the team to allow workers a chance to rest and recuperate. The teams have had a busy schedule in recent years, and it is essential for their well-being and performance to have a break. This break will also provide the teams with an opportunity to work on improving their cars and strategies for the rest of the season.
The 2023 season is set to kick off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 3rd-5th, with pre-season testing taking place the week before. This year, the sport will also be visiting the US three times, with the addition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as well as Miami and Austin. This will be a great opportunity for the sport to expand its reach and attract new fans in the US.
Furthermore, the decision to cancel the Chinese Grand Prix will not have a significant impact on the overall season, as the sport has a packed calendar of 23 races, which includes some of the most iconic tracks in the world such as Monaco, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Fans will still have plenty of opportunities to watch their favorite drivers and teams in action.
In conclusion, while the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix may be disappointing for some, it aligns with the sport’s focus on sustainability and allows for a much-needed break for the drivers and teams. The 2023 season promises to be an exciting one, with a packed calendar of races and the sport’s expansion to the US.
