Scott McLaughlin will not return to Supercars racing at December's Bathurst 1000.

McLaughlin, a three-time Supercars champion, was set to return to Australia to race at Mount Panorama as a co-driver with Dick Johnson Racing.

The New Zealander, who was recently named rookie of the year after the completion of his first full season of IndyCar racing in the United States, said quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic made his return for Bathurst impossible.

"It is disappointing to not be able to travel home and take part in the biggest race on the Australian motorsport calendar," McLaughlin said.

"It's something I was looking forward to, but with the prolonged quarantine requirements and Australian COVID-19 restrictions, the timing just hasn't worked out.

"I was also looking forward to seeing the team, the Supercars supporters, and my family and friends - who I haven't seen in over 18 months - and putting on a great show at Mount Panorama.

"Hopefully we can see what 2022 brings."

McLaughlin won the 2019 Bathurst 1000 and completed his hat-trick of championships last year before quitting the series to take up an offer to race with Roger Penske in Indycar.

The 28-year-old finished 14th in the championship which wrapped up in Long Beach, California late last month.

McLaughlin will be replaced in the Shell V-Power Racing Team's line-up for Mt Panorama by Alex Davison, who will race alongside brother Will - a two-time Bathurst winner - in the team's No.17 Ford Mustang.

The team's other pairing will be Anton De Pasquale and Tony D'Alberto.

The Bathurst 1000 has been rescheduled due to NSW's COVID outbreak and will now complete the 2021 Supercars season on December 5.