F1 2019: Launch dates, testing schedule, calendar and line-ups

The season begins in Australia on March 17, and finishes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 1.

The third round, the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 14, will be the 1000th world championship F1 race.

Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen moves from Ferrari to Sauber, switching places with Charles Leclerc.

Daniel Ricciardo defects from Red Bull to Renault, replacing Carlos Sainz, who moves to McLaren in place of Fernando Alonso after the two-time champion left F1.

Pierre Gasly steps up from Toro Rosso to Red Bull, and is replaced by the returning Daniil Kvyat.

Robert Kubica also rejoins the F1 grid, after a much longer absence of eight years, with Williams.

Formula 2 champion George Russell will partner Kubica while Lando Norris replaces Stoffel Vandoorne at McLaren. Alexander Albon will be the third rookie, joining Toro Rosso in place of Brendon Hartley.

Antonio Giovinazzi gets his full-time graduation with the renamed Alfa Romeo squad – replacing Marcus Ericsson, who will instead race in IndyCar.

Lance Stroll has moved from Williams to Racing Point at the expense of Esteban Ocon, after his father Lawrence bought the team – formerly known as Force India – last August. 

Red Bull Racing switches to Honda engines for 2019, joining its sister team Toro Rosso.

2019 Formula 1 car launch dates

Nikita Mazepin, Force India VJM11

Photo by: Joe Portlock / LAT Images

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG F1 W09 EQ Power+ leads at the start of the race

Photo by: Sutton Images

2019 Formula 1 calendar

Drivers and grid kids observe the National Anthem on the grid

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Sutton Images

2019 Formula 1 entry list: