F1: Zhou has doubts Chinese GP will happen in 2023

Although the 2023 F1 calendar shows 24 races, many have doubts the race will actually happen given strict Covid precautions in China.

The majority of countries have now reopened their borders but China is a notable exception, with a strict zero-Covid policy still in place.

This includes a requirement for visitors to be fully vaccinated and to test twice prior to beginning their journey followed by a minimum seven-day quarantine period in a centralized facility.

“Of course, it’s great to see the Chinese Grand Prix is back on the calendar and still, we have to do a bit of quarantine back home now when you go back,” said Chinese F1 driver Guanyu Zhou.

“Hopefully the situation gets reduced and gets better to definitely confirm the grand prix to be happening.”

“This can be a very special event for everyone,” added Zhou, China’s first full-time F1 driver.

“When you have your home races it’s a special moment because, looking at how Max [Verstappen] had the orange army in Zandvoort, it was pretty crazy so hopefully I get similar things in Shanghai.”