Formula 1 has confirmed that this year’s calendar will feature 22 grands prix after opting not to replace the cancelled Russian Grand Prix.
Formula 1’s schedule has undergone extensive revisions and alterations in recent years due to the pandemic.
So far this year only China’s round has been a casualty of the pandemic but Russia’s grand prix – planned for Sochi Autodrom on September 25 – was swiftly axed following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
Russia’s long-term Formula 1 deal, with Igora Drive having been due to replace Sochi from 2023, was also cancelled.
Formula 1 sought out potential replacement rounds in order to keep the calendar at 23 grands prix.
Qatar, which will return on a 10-year deal from 2023, emerged as a front-runner while rumours suggested that Singapore was interested in holding a day/night event a week before its existing grand prix.
But ultimately neither proposal was significantly developed and Formula 1 has now taken the step not to fill Russia’s slot on the calendar.
It is understood that several reasons were behind the decision, including costs, logistics and commercial value.
A grand prix on Russia’s date in Europe was not viable for logistical purposes.
It means that there will be a gap on the schedule between Italy, on September 11, and Singapore, on October 2.
