'Portuguese Grand Prix replaces Chinese GP on 2023 F1 calendar'

There is a good chance that the Portuguese Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2023. Joao Carlos Costa reports on his Twitter account that Portimao will replace the Chinese Grand Prix next season.

The 2023 F1 calendar features a record 24 races in a single season. Yet the continuation of one GP is in doubt. This is because restrictions surrounding the coronavirus are still in place in China, meaning the race may be cancelled for the fourth year in a row.

While the BBC previously reported that no replacement race would be designated to replace the Chinese GP, Joao Carlos Costa now reports otherwise. On his Twitter account, the Portuguese motorsport commentator reveals that the Portimao circuit is in talks to take over the spot on the 2023 calendar. Only the FIA World Council would still have to approve and that meeting will take place on 9 December.

The Portimao circuit also acted as a fallback in the corona pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Back then, Lewis Hamilton won both races at the circuit in the Algarve. It had been a long time since Portugal hosted a GP. In 1996, the last Portuguese Grand Prix was held at the Estoril circuit.