The Reason for Holding F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix on Saturdays

The Unconventional Start of the F1 Season 2024

As teams and drivers prepare for the longest season in Formula 1’s history, they face a unique challenge ahead. With a jam-packed calendar featuring up to 24 grands prix, the excitement begins with two races on Saturday instead of the usual Sunday.

Ramadan Influences Race Schedule

In an unprecedented move, the opening Bahrain Grand Prix (2 March) and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (9 March) are scheduled on Saturdays due to Ramadan observance. The start of Ramadan falls on Sunday, which coincides with the original date set for the Saudi Arabia race.

To accommodate this change, organizers decided to bring forward both races by one day so that fans can still enjoy the thrilling action without conflicting with religious practices.

Fulfilling FIA Regulations – A Shifted Season Opener

The alteration in race days also aligns with Formula 1 regulations stipulating at least a week between consecutive races. As a result, not only was the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix moved to Saturday but also its preceding event in Bahrain had to be shifted earlier by one day as well.

An Altered Weekend Schedule

With two races now taking place on Saturdays during these exceptional circumstances, it necessitates adjustments throughout each race weekend. Typically reserved for free practice sessions, Thursdays will now host both one-hour practice sessions while Fridays will feature final practice and qualifying sessions before heading straight into race day.

Making Way for Global Fans

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are not the only events scheduled on Saturdays in 2024. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, slated for 24 November, is also set to take place on a Saturday due to the significant time difference between North America and Europe.

By holding the race at 10pm local time in Las Vegas, it ensures that fans from around the world can tune in without needing to wake up early or rush off to work. This decision aims to maximize global viewership and enhance the overall F1 experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

A Departure from Tradition

While uncommon, Formula 1 has witnessed races taking place on days other than Sunday throughout its history. There have been a total of 75 races held outside of Sundays, with recent examples including the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. However, if we delve further back into history, we find that it has been nearly four decades since an F1 race was last held on a Saturday – specifically referring to the memorable South African Grand Prix in 1985.