Formula 1 signed a contract extension with the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday until 2025. Formula 1 debuted in China at the Shanghai International Circuit back in 2004, Rubens Barrichello won the opening race for Ferrari.
Chinese Grand Prix hasn’t been conducted since 2019, the race in Shanghai won’t be a part of next year’s record-breaking 23-race calendar. There was a need for a new calendar as the Chinese contract expired at the end of the season. China could be on the schedule for 2022, but will only be as an alternative if one of the proceedings cannot be performed on the record race scheduled of 23 races. Formula 1 wants to come back to the country as soon as possible after the last race in China in 2019 when F1 celebrated its 1000th race.
Stating on the contract extension, Formula 1’s President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said, “This is great news for all of our fans in China and we are delighted to announce this agreement that will see us racing in Shanghai until 2025.”
“Our partnership with the promoter Juss Sports is incredibly strong and we look forward to continuing our long-term partnership.”
“While we are all disappointed, we could not include China on the 2022 calendar due to ongoing pandemic conditions, China will be restored to the calendar as soon as conditions allow and we look forward to being back with the fans as soon as we can.”