Max Verstappen of Red Bull in Shanghai before the 2019 Chinese grand prix where F1 want to grow their audience

This year’s Chinese Grand Prix will not take place as scheduled on April 19 because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Times understands that the decision has been made not to stage what would have been the fourth race of the season on that date in Shanghai.

Discussions are said to be continuing over whether to postpone the race or cancel it altogether. With the calendar at a record-high 22 races this season, it is difficult to see where a rescheduled China race would slot in. If Formula One did try to squeeze it into the second half of the season, it could result in races being held on three or even four consecutive weekends, something to which the teams would likely object.

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