Formula One has unveiled its ground-breaking calendar for the 2024 season, which includes a record-breaking 24 events as well as significant changes aimed at regionalising the schedule to increase sustainability and logistical efficiency. The season will begin with Saturday night Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and will end with the usual season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Commencement and Key Changes in the Season’s Schedule
The 2024 F1 season promises thrilling action right from the start, with the first two Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia happening on a Saturday night. These changes are mostly due to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins on March 10, 2024. The first race is in Bahrain on March 2, followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix the following week.
The pre-season testing is scheduled for February 21-23 in Bahrain, pending authorisation from the F1 Commission. Other significant modifications include the Japanese Grand Prix, which moves from its usual September/October schedule to the fourth round on April 7. The Chinese Grand Prix will also return for the first time since 2019, with the fifth round scheduled for April 21.
Logistical Modifications and Key Statements from F1 and FIA
The scheduling revisions plainly signal F1’s shift toward a more regionalised calendar. This is a step toward making the season more sustainable and reducing logistical costs. However, F1 understands that due to different meteorological and contractual constraints, comprehensive regionalization may not be practicable.
Formula 1’s president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, spoke positively about the calendar changes, expressing gratitude to all promoters and partners for their support. He reaffirmed F1’s commitment to developing a more sustainable calendar in line with the company’s Net Zero 2030 strategy.
Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised the tremendous strides made in the proposed 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar toward shared sustainability goals. He commended the efforts to make Formula One’s worldwide spectacle more effective and manageable for the travelling crew who devote their time to the sport.
Notable Dates and Closure of the 2024 Season
The Belgian Grand Prix finishes the first half of the season on July 28. After the summer vacation, F1 returns on August 25 with the Dutch GP. As the season begins in Japan, the Azerbaijan GP is moved to September 15, followed by the Singapore GP night race on September 22.
The season’s climax occurs with two triple headers following a four-week gap. The US GP in Austin, the Mexican GP, and the Brazilian GP occur on October 20, October 27, and November 3, respectively. Following a three-week break, the Las Vegas GP will be held on November 23rd, following the example set by the inaugural event in 2023. The final race in Qatar is on December 1st, followed by the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 8th.
The 2024 calendar marks a significant step towards a more organised and sustainable future for the world’s premier motorsport event, keeping a perfect balance between traditional events and exploring new and existing venues.
