Formula 1 2018 calendar revealed with first triple-header

The return of the French and German Grands Prix in 2018 prompted some headaches for F1's chiefs in trying to fit in enough races in to their traditional slots in the calendar.

But in a draft schedule released following a meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council in Geneva, France has been handed a June 24 slot and will be followed on subsequent weekends by the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone events.

Other changes to the calendar include the Azerbaijan Grand Prix taking a slot in late April, with the Russian GP moving to September, where it will form a back-to-back with the Japanese GP.

The races in China and Singapore remain subject to confirmation of deals with the commercial rights holder.

The FIA has also confirmed the Le Mans 24 Hours will take place on June 16/17, meaning the famous sportscar race will avoid a clash with a grand prix for the second year in succession.

F1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey said a lot of effort went into getting the calendar prepared further in advance than in previous years.

"We wanted to finalise next season's calendar early, so that all our stakeholders would have more time to prepare and we have managed it, thanks in part through working closely with the FIA," he said.

"The number of races has increased by one compared to the current season.

"We received numerous requests from those wishing to host a Formula 1 grand prix but we wanted the existing promoters to feel that we are putting all our efforts into ensuring that each race is a special event, so that the fans, our most important stakeholders, can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.

"If we can do that, then the entire Formula 1 family will reap the benefit."

2018 FORMULA 1 CALENDAR

March 25 Melbourne, Australia
April 8 Shanghai, China
April 15 Sakhir, Bahrain
April 29 Baku, Azerbaijan
May 13 Barcelona, Spain
May 27 Monaco
June 10 Montreal, Canada
June 24 Paul Ricard, France
July 1 Red Bull Ring, Austria
July 8 Silverstone, Great Britain
July 22 Hockenheim, Germany
July 29 Hungaroring, Hungary
August 26 Spa, Belgium
September 2 Monza, Italy
September 16 Singapore
September 30 Sochi, Russia
October 7 Suzuka, Japan
October 21 Austin, USA
October 28 Mexico City, Mexico
November 11 Interlagos, Brazil
November 25 Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi