Racing on Saturday, the return of China and more big changes! Formula 1 confirms race calendar for 2024

Formula 1 officially confirmed the list of 24 grand prix for the 2024 season on Wednesday afternoon. However, there are some major things happening within the racing calendar. For example, there are three races on Saturday, with China returning after a break.

After the official meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, the Formula 1 calendar for the 2024 season has been finally presented. 24 grand prix are to take place next year, which will break the record for the number of races in one season.

However, there will be significant but interesting changes. The first is the return of China to the F1 calendar. The country has not held a Grand Prix since 2019 due to problems with the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which could not be held this year due to flooding throughout the region, will also return to the calendar.

Another new feature is the races on Saturdays, although yes, for example the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be held on Saturdays already this year. The same will be the case next year, but two more will be added to the American event.

Formula 1 intends to observe Ramadan, so the Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening round of the new season, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will also be held on Saturdays.

Regionalisation

Other significant changes are focused on sustainability objectives with a greater emphasis on regionalisation. The season won’t end until 8 December, as F1 envisages a one-month break from mid-September to mid-October.

The Japanese Grand Prix is usually scheduled during this period, but this has been moved to April, as you can see in the attached Twitter post below. F1 has moved the Azerbaijan race to September, with the Singapore event to follow.

Due to the aforementioned sustainability and logistics, the European races in June/July have also been combined. Namely Spain, Austria and the UK. At the end of the season, the same applies to the plants on the American continent (USA, Mexico, Brazil).

F1 President on the calendar for 2024…

“There is a huge interest in Formula 1 and a continuing demand for it. I believe this calendar strikes the right balance between traditional races and new venues. I would like to thank all the promoters and partners for their support and efforts that have gone into this great calendar, ” reads Stefano Domenicali’s official statement.

“Our journey towards a more sustainable calendar will continue in the coming years as we further streamline operations as part of our Net Zero 2030 commitment,” added the F1 President.

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