F1 has finally locked in the 2023 season calendar with a record 23 races to be held. It is going to be a hectic season with multiple double and triple headers and some big flyaways. Though, the schedule which was supposed to include 24 races is cut short by the Chinese GP. The race in Shanghai, China was supposed to return to the calendar after a 3-year hiatus. But, due to the country’s complex COVID policies, F1 has canceled the event for 2023. This has created a long 4-week break between the Australian and Azerbaijan GP in April.

To fill up this uneventful break, Motorsport.com put out some interesting alternate event options on their social media. Upon this, fans reacted and commented on what they would prefer to watch in lieu of the canceled race in China.

The 4 options Motorsport.com provided are:

A. One-off race in a remote location
B. Race featuring reserve drivers only
C. Retro Livery Race
D. Rest

Although, the majority of the fans are in favor of a reserve drivers’ race. This may be a really good idea if F1 and the FIA can try to implement it. There are several drivers who are part of the teams’ young driver program and also reserves like Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher.

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So, it may actually be a wonderful one-off weekend featuring Ricciardo, Mick Schumacher, and F2 talents like Robert Schwartzman, Liam Lawson, and Felipe Drugovich. It just could be the perfect opportunity for Daniel and Mick to get on-track redemption after their exit from the F1 grid.

Formula 1 probably was looking to replace the Chinese GP with another venue, as they have an extended contract until 2025. Turkey and Portugal were rumored to be favorites to replace the Shanghai race. But eventually, they opted to leave it as it is without any race between Melbourne and Baku.

Fans Suggest in Favor of an F1 Reserve Driver Race to replace Chinese GP

Fans have united to pitch their ideas on Twitter and Reddit on how they envision the reserve driver race to happen. Some fans have also been creative enough to put driver lineups and track suggestions for the imaginary event.

If we look closely, a combination of all the options is achievable. The race will feature only reserve and young drivers. Thus, the full-time drivers get rest, obviously. They can host this race on a remote track or a track that is not on the current calendar (maybe fan favorites like Turkey, Hockenheim, or Sepang). And teams can even run retro classic liveries on the cars, as it will be an exhibition one-off event.

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Besides, young drivers like Theo Pourchaire, Felipe Drugovich, Liam Lawson, and Jack Doohan, may also get good exposure to F1 cars. It may also be a chance to prove themselves for Ricciardo and Schumacher in a Red Bull and a Mercedes respectively.

On the other hand, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that F1 has this short break between Australia and Azerbaijan. After all, the crews, engineers, and drivers will get some time to rest before being involved in 5 races in 6 weeks from Baku onwards.

As things stand, this is a big what-if scenario. F1 has not done such an exhibition event. So, it may be less likely to see a reserve driver race in place of the canceled Chinese GP in 2023.

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Perhaps Ricciardo and Schumacher have to wait for some other avenue for their redemption. Still, what are your thoughts on this prospect?