Formula One: German Grand Prix dropped from 2017 calendar, Brazil's race 'provisional'

The season will start in Australia on 26 March and ends in Abu Dhabi on 26 November

Hockenheim is reluctant to host the race in successive years for financial reasons (Getty)

The German Grand Prix was dropped formally from the 2017 Formula One calendar on Wednesday with the renamed Azerbaijan Grand Prix given a new date to avoid a clash with the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race.

The absence of Germany was expected, with Hockenheim reluctant to host the race in successive years for financial reasons despite it being a home event for dominant Mercedes and new champion Nico Rosberg.

Brazil's Grand Prix remains in doubt, having been listed among the 20-race schedule as 'provisional'.

The Canadian race, which had been in doubt and left open on the draft calendar, was confirmed on the final version published by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Mexico's race is again paired with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, in October rather than with Brazil.

The season starts in Australia on 26 March and ends in Abu Dhabi on 26 November. The British Grand Prix is on 16 July.

Reuters