Liberty Media and Formula 1 announced a 21-race calendar for the 2019 season which includes both Japan and Germany after new deals supported by Honda and Mercedes.
This was the first time that Liberty Media engaged in contract negotiations with the Japanese authorities for the grand prix event after the last five-year deal was signed by Bernie Ecclestone in 2013 which is to end later this year.
At the same time, the F1 authorities were in talks with the German officials for the race to continue at Hockenheim after a successful event earlier this year. Following an agreement, the new deals were announced along with a draft calendar during the Italian GP.
The Japanese GP will stay on the calendar for three more seasons until the 2021 season sponsored by Honda, while the German GP for now is only one a one-year extension with Mercedes named as its title sponsor.
The season will start with the Australian GP during March 15-17 weekend with a December end date for Abu Dhabi GP (November 29 – December 1). The order of the races as well remains the same with the gaps increasing for some of the races.
F1’s Chairman & CEO, Chase Carey said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that the draft of the 2019 FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar is made up of 21 races, as it was this year.
“In addition, we are honoured the promoters of the long-standing Japanese Grand Prix have agreed to a new long-term deal that will ensure our loyal and knowledgeable Japanese fans will be able to enjoy Formula 1 for more years to come.
“I am also delighted to confirm that with the very valuable help of Mercedes-Benz, the German automobile clubs ADAC and AvD and the German Minister for Transportation
and Digital Infrastructure, we have reached an agreement with the Municipality of Hockenehim and the promoter Hockenheim-Ring GmbH which will allow to once more race at this iconic circuit also in 2019.
“This demonstrates how all stakeholders within Formula 1 are working together to ensure the long-term future of the sport and its fans.”
Sean Bratches added: The renewal of the Japanese Grand Prix and the confirmation of the German Grand Prix are both examples of our direction to place fans at the heart of Formula 1, a vision shared with all our promoters.
“The successful extension of the Fan Zones at the race circuits, coupled with the
colourful city F1 Festivals in London, Shanghai, Marseille, Milan and Miami, prove there is a great appetite for all aspects of Formula 1.”
Draft 2019 F1 calendar:
Australian – March 15-17
Bahrain GP – March 29-31
Chinese GP – April 12-14
Azerbaijan GP – April 26-28
Spanish GP – May 10-12
Monaco GP – May 24-26
Canadian GP – June 7-9
French GP – June 21-23
Austrian GP – June 28-30
British GP – July 12-14
German GP – July 26-28
Hungarian GP – August 2-4
Belgian GP – August 30 – September 1
Italian GP – September 6-8
Singapore GP – September 20-22
Russian GP – September 27-29
Japanese GP – October 11-13
Mexico GP – October 25-27
US GP – November 1-3
Brazilian GP – November 15-17
Abu Dhabi GP – November 29 – December 1
The calendar doesn’t feature any triple header unlike 2018 after troubles for everyone involved this year – it means all races move one week later. As things stand currently, China will host the 1000th F1 race.
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