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Formula One has released its 21-race draft calendar for 2019, complete with confirmation of new deals for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim and Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The contracts for both races had been due to expire at the end of the year, but F1 confirmed a three-year deal for Suzuka - keeping it on the calendar until 2021 - and an extra year for the German Grand Prix thanks to support from German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. Honda, which owns Suzuka, will be the title sponsor of the Japanese Grand Prix, while Mercedes will be the title sponsor in Germany.

The season will start on March 17 in Australia and finish on December 1 in Abu Dhabi, with the order of races very similar but not indentical to 2018's 21-race calendar. This year's triple header in France, Austria and Great Britain has been split up so that the race at Silverstone takes place two weeks after Austria. Meanwhile, Singapore and Russia have been paired together as a double header instead of Russia and Japan this year.

Another notable change for fans in the U.S.A. is that the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin has been moved a week later, effectively swapping places with Mexico which now takes place a week earlier than this year.

The calendar also includes the 1000th grand prix of all time, which will take place in China.

"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," F1 CEO Chase Carey said. "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 One 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 One are working together to ensure the long-term future of the sport and its fans."