Zhou throws doubt over 2023 Chinese Grand Prix

Sam Hall
Friday 14 October 2022 10:24

Zhou Guanyu has conceded that strict Covid precautions in China could yet curtail the return of F1 next year.

The majority of countries have now reopened their borders but China is a notable exception, with a strict zero-Covid policy still in place.

This includes a requirement for visitors to be fully vaccinated and to test twice prior to beginning their journey followed by a minimum seven-day quarantine period in a centralised facility.

China is a standalone weekend following the Australian Grand Prix and while this timing would allow for a quarantine period, it is unlikely to be popular given the already packed schedule.

"Of course, it's great to see the Chinese Grand Prix is back on the calendar and still we have to do a bit of quarantine back home now when you go back," said Zhou.

"Hopefully the situation gets reduced and gets better to definitely confirm the grand prix to be happening."

China has been absent from the calendar since 2019 due to the pandemic.

Despite concerns, Zhou is eager to experience a home race for the first time in F1.

"This can be a very special event for everyone," added Zhou, China's first full-time F1 driver.

"When you have your home races it's a special moment because, looking at how Max [Verstappen] had the orange army in Zandvoort, it was pretty crazy so hopefully I get similar things in Shanghai."

Referring to the canisters set off by Verstappen fans that fill the air with orange smoke at various circuits, Zhou remarked: "But I know there will be no smoke because it's forbidden."