The dates you need for F1 in 2018

The 2018 Formula 1 season is just around the corner as teams add the finishing touches to the cars they will take to pre-season testing. The two weeks of running vital to teams, who aim to clock in as much mileage in preparation for the opening race of the season.

The eight days of testing will once again take place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix in May. While testing doesn't quite offer a full insight into who is the pick of the bunch, it can provide some important details such as engine reliability and driver consistency

However, before pre-season testing gets underway, teams will reveal their liveries and designs for the 2018 season. Williams will be the first squad to showcase their car. Ferrari and Mercedes will launch on the same day, while Red Bull and Haas are yet to formally announce a date.

After the launches and testing have been done and dusted, focus will turn to the long season ahead. The calendar features 21-races, matching the record-breaking season of 2016. F1's first ever tripleheader will also occur, with the Austrian, French and British Grands Prix all happening in consecutive weekends.