2023 Formula 1 season to feature record 24-race calendar

Global motorsports governing body the FIA has announced the largest ever calendar for the 2023 Formula One season that will commence in Bahrain on 5th March and end in Abu Dhabi on 26th November.

Set to feature a record 24-races, the calendar sees the return of races Qatar and China and a new race in the USA city of Las Vegas - a third race in the USA.

The Chinese Grand Prix, set to return to Shanghai after a three-year absence due to the Covid pandemic, has been given a 16th April date.

However, there remain some doubts about the race as a result of China's management of Covid, in which lockdowns remain an ongoing strategy, with F1 reportedly seeking reassurances from the Chinese Government as to how it plans to manage any positive cases before the race goes ahead next year.

Next year's program does not feature a French Grand Prix while races in Monaco and Belgium have retained their places after securing short term contracts - Monaco's until 2025 and Belgium's for only one year.

F1 President Stefano Domenicali said the increased number of races was a reflection of the fact that "Formula 1 has unprecedented demand to host races and it is important we get the balance right for the entire sport.

"We are very pleased with the strong momentum Formula 1 continues to experience and it is great news that we will be able to bring our passionate fans a mix of exciting new locations such as Las Vegas to the Championship with much loved venues across Europe, Asia and the Americas."

Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President, Mohammed ben Sulayem said the record calendar was "further evidence of the growth and appeal of the sport on a global scale".

The season is set to see an expansion of 'sprints' - a shorter race on the Saturday deciding the grid for the main Grand Prix - from three to six in 2023, although details of these have yet to be announced.

2023 F1 calendar

• 5th March: Bahrain, Sakhir 

• 19th March: Saudi Arabia, Jeddah 

• 2nd April: Australia, Melbourne 

• 16th April: China, Shanghai 

• 30th April: Azerbaijan, Baku 

• 7th May: USA, Miami

• 21st May: Emilia Romagna (Italy), Imola 

• 28th May: Monaco

• 4th June: Spain, Barcelona 

• 18th June: Canada, Montreal 

• 2nd July: Austria, Red Bull Ring 

• 9th July: United Kingdom, Silverstone 

• 23rd July: Hungary, Budapest 

• 30th July: Belgium, Spa-Francorchamps 

• 27th August: Netherlands, Zandvoort 

• 3rd September: Italy, Monza 

• 17th September: Singapore, Marina Bay 

• 24th September: Japan, Suzuka 

• 8th October: Qatar, Losail 

• 22nd October: USA, Austin 

• 29th October: Mexico, Mexico City 

• 5th November: Brazil, Sao Paulo

• 18th November: USA, Las Vegas

• 26th November: Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina

Images: The 2023 F1 season will conclude in Abu Dhabi (top) and the Australian Grand Prix will be in Melbourne on 2nd April (below).