Formula 1 has extended the contract of the Chinese Grand Prix unit 2025 despite the race being dropped from next year’s calendar.
The Shanghai International circuit hasn’t held a grand prix the past two seasons after falling foul of the coronavirus pandemic, with the country’s travel restrictions remaining tight.
And with the situation showing no signs of improving, F1 decided to not include China on the 2022 schedule to avoid the potential case of a late disruption.
Although Shanghai will be absent for a third successive year, F1 was clear it planned to hold a grand prix in China once conditions allowed, and on Saturday it was announced it had agreed a contract extension.
“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,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“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.”
China became a new addition to the F1 calendar in 2004 and the championship’s growth in popularity since then has been evident.
While there has never been a Chinese driver on the grid, Formula 2 title contender Guanyu Zhou has been tipped to land a seat at Alfa Romeo for next year.
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