F1 extends China deal despite no 2022 Grand Prix

File picture of Ferrari's German driver Sebastian Vettel getting out of his car after qualifying in pole position for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 14, 2018. - AFP

BEIJING (AFP): Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Chinese Grand Prix until 2025, the organisation said Saturday (Nov 6), despite the race being dropped from its calendar for next year.

Covid-19 and China's strict travel restrictions prompted the cancellation of the Shanghai event in 2020 and this year. F1 has also not included the race on its 2022 schedule due to "ongoing pandemic conditions".