F1 in 2018: Malaysia to bow out but France and Germany return

No more Malaysia GPs after 2017, but calendar to go back up to 21 races for 2018 as Germany added to France's expected return

By James Galloway

The Malaysia GP will drop off the F1 calendar from 2018 - but the return of the French and German GPs mean next season's schedule will revert to a joint-record 21 races.

The future of the Malaysian race at Sepang had been in doubt for several years owing to dwindling attendances and officials had already announced last November they would not renew their contract when it expired next year.

But the country will now disappear from the calendar one season earlier than planned after a joint decision between organisers and F1 chiefs, meaning this year's race on October 1 will be the 19th and last Malaysia GP.

"It's always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family," said new F1 commercial chief Sean Bratches. "Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport's most passionate supporters.

"As we said in Melbourne, we have big plans for bringing our global fan base closer to the sport than ever before, providing an enhanced digital experience and creating new events. We're looking forward to talking more about these plans as the season progresses."

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Although Malaysia will not be on the schedule for the first time since making its debut as the first of F1's new-breed of race tracks in 1999, next year's roster will run to a record 21 races for the second time in three years.

France's return at Paul Ricard in the south west of the country was confirmed last year, while the German GP at Hockenheim was always set to make a comeback of its own with the circuit only able to afford the race on a biennial basis.

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"We will have 21 exciting events to look forward to in the 2018 calendar, with the additions of the French and German races," added Bratches.

Liberty Media, F1's new owners, have made clear they aim to preserve F1's heritage and the return of France and Germany for 2018 mean nearly half of next season's 21 Grands Prix are set to be in Europe.

F1's expected 21 races for 2018 (in alphabetical order)
Abu Dhabi GP
Australian GP
Austrian GP
Azerbaijan GP
Bahrain GP
Belgian GP
Brazilian GP
British GP
Canadian GP
Chinese GP
French GP
German GP
Hungarian GP
Italian GP
Japanese GP
Mexican GP
Monaco GP
Russian GP
Singapore GP
Spanish GP
United States GP

Natalie Pinkham is joined by Sky F1's Marc Priestley and the Sun's F1 Correspondent Ben Hunt to preview the Chinese Grand Prix.

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