The 2024 Formula 1 season promises to be like no other, with a record-breaking number of races on the calendar. However, it is not just the sheer quantity of races that sets this season apart. In a surprising twist, the year will kick off with not one, but two races on Saturday. The Bahrain Grand Prix on March 2nd and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on March 9th will both take place on Saturdays instead of the traditional Sunday start. But what led to this unconventional schedule?
The primary reason behind the decision to begin the season with Saturday races is the observance of Ramadan, which starts on Sunday, March 10th – the original date for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. To respect this important religious observance, the race in Saudi Arabia has been brought forward by a day to be held on Saturday night. This adjustment allows fans and participants to fully enjoy the event without any conflicts.
Another factor influencing the schedule change is a regulation within Formula 1 that mandates a minimum one-week gap between races. To adhere to this rule, the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally scheduled for the following Sunday, has also been moved up by a day. This adjustment ensures the required week-long interval between the two races.
With the first two races of the season now taking place on a Saturday, the entire schedule has been shifted forward by one day. As a result, Thursday becomes the day for the two one-hour free practice sessions. Friday, the traditional practice and qualifying day, now hosts the third free practice and the qualifying sessions. Both days are solely dedicated to preparing for the main event, the race itself.
While the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are notable for their Saturday race days, they are not the only races in the 2024 season to deviate from the Sunday tradition. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 24th, will also take place on a Saturday. This decision is influenced by the significant time difference between Las Vegas and Europe. The race will start at 10pm local time, which would translate to 6am on Monday in the UK if held on a Sunday. In an effort to accommodate fans worldwide, the race was rescheduled to Saturday, enabling a more favorable viewing experience for a global audience.
While Saturday races are not entirely unprecedented in Formula 1, they remain a rarity. Over the course of the sport’s history, only 75 races have been held on days other than Sunday. The most recent occurrence prior to the 2024 season was the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Before that, one would have to go back 38 years to the 1985 South African Grand Prix to find another Saturday race.
The 2024 Formula 1 season promises to captivate fans with its unique schedule featuring multiple Saturday races. From accommodating religious observances to respecting global time differences, the decision to introduce Saturday races reflects the sport’s willingness to adapt and cater to its diverse fan base. Whether the unconventional schedule becomes a long-term trend or remains a one-time anomaly, it undoubtedly adds an intriguing element to the already thrilling world of Formula 1.
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