By Adam Tate, Associate Editor
As part of the World Motor Sport Council gathering this week, the FIA has confirmed the 2017 Formula 1 Calendar.
It features some interesting changes from the provisional calendar, namely the loss of the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring, which showcases the sad state of affairs F1 faces in Germany, despite the success of Mercedes and Nico Rosberg.
On the happier side, the US Grand Prix is confirmed after some speculation, no doubt the awesome race in October and its attendance record helped seal that deal.
The poorly named and scheduled “European Grand Prix” has been appropriately renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and will no longer clash on the calendar with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Which means fans will no longer have to choose, and WEC’s crown jewel will once again be open to any enterprising F1 drivers.
With the loss of Germany, the calendar features 20 races, one less than this year. The total may fall further if the Brazilian Grand Prix drops, as it is yet to be confirmed. If it does there will be nearly a month break before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
After a grueling 21 race schedule for 2016, it is nice to see it drop back down to 20, although loosing Hockenheim is far from ideal.
The full schedule is below.
- March 26th, Melbourne, Australia
- April 9th, Shanghai, China
- April 16th, Sakhir, Bahrain
- April 30th, Sochi, Russia
- May 14th, Barcelona, Spain
- May 28th, Monte Carlo, Monaco
- June 11th, Montreal, Canada
- June 25th, Baku, Azerbaijan
- July 9th, Spielberg, Austria
- July 16th, Silverstone, Great Britain
- July 30th, Budapest, Hungary
- August 27th, Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
- September 3rd, Monza, Italy
- September 17th, Marina Bay, Singapore
- October 1st, Sepang, Malaysia
- October 8th, Suzuka, Japan
- October 22th, Austin, USA
- October 29th, Mexico City, Mexico
- November 12th, Sao Paulo, Brazil*
- November 26th, Abu Dhabi, UAE
*yet to be confirmed
