PARIS, Jan 17 — The Formula One season will be the longest ever with 23 races this year organisers announced today despite failing to find a replacement for the China Grand Prix.

Formula One chiefs had been searching for a stand-in since they announced in December the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix for the fourth successive year citing continuing problems related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Portugal and Turkey had been rumoured as potential replacements as both have experience hosting a Grand Prix.

The specialist press also reported that China had tried to regain its place due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

However, Formula One issued a statement today saying the schedule would remain at 23 races leaving a large gap between the third race, the Australian Grand Prix on April 2, and the Azerbaijan race, on April 30.

"Formula 1 can confirm the 2023 season will consist of 23 races. All existing race dates on the calendar remain unchanged.”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will kick off his bid for a third successive driver’s title in Bahrain on March 5. — AFP