The F1 season features 21 race weekends in 2018, thanks to the return of the German grand prix, held every two years in Hockenheim. This year also sees the reintroduction of the French Grand Prix after a ten-year hiatus. The event will now take place in Le Castellet near Marseilles, which last hosted the race in 1990, rather than Magny-Cours where the last edition was won by the then title contender, Felipe Massa.

Image: MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

Due to a national holiday in China, the grand prix is swapping place with Bahrain to boost ticket sales for the Shanghai event. Having its place taken by the revived French grand prix, Azerbaijan moves to the spot formerly occupied by Russia, which is now scheduled in place of the defunct Malaysian grand prix following the Singapore night race.

The 2018 F1 calendar is confirmed as follows:

22-25 Mar // Australia (Melbourne)
06-08 Apr // Bahrain (Sakhir)
13-15 Apr // China (Shanghai)
27-29 Apr // Azerbaijan (Baku)
11-13 May // Spain (Barcelona)
24-27 May // Monaco (Monte Carlo)
08-10 Jun // Canada (Montreal)
22-24 Jun // France (Le Castellet)
29 Jun-01 Jul // Austria (Spielberg)
06-08 Jul // Great Britain (Silverstone)
20-22 Jul // Germany (Hockenheim)
27-29 July // Hungary (Budapest)
24-26 Aug // Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
31 Aug-02 Sept // Italy (Monza)
14-16 Sept // Singapore (Marina Bay)
28-30 Sept // Russia (Sochi)
05-07 Oct // Japan (Suzuka)
19-21 Oct // USA (Austin)
26-28 Oct // Mexico (Mexico City)
09-11 Nov // Brazil (São Paulo)
23-25 Nov // Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina)

Full FIA press release:
www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-8