Why are the first two F1 2024 races starting on a Saturday?

WE are set to witness the longest season in F1’s history – and that is not the only major change in the calendar.

Max Verstappen is hoping to become only the fourth man to win FOUR consecutive titles after such a dominant performance last year.

AFP

Max Verstappen has won third consecutive title last year[/caption]

But Lewis Hamilton will be determined to put an end to the Red Bull icon’s reign during his final season behind the Mercedes wheel.

However, in what is destined to be a long season, both racers will need to slightly alter their preparations due to the opening GP’s taking place on a Saturday instead of Sunday.

And SunSport can provide F1 fans with information on why this is the case.

Why does the F1 2024 season start on a Saturday?

The first race of the F1 2024 season takes place on a Saturday due to the sacred time of Ramadan.

Ramadan starts on Sunday, March 10 which means the Saudi Arabian GP has moved forward by a day to Saturday, March 9.

And to coincide with F1 rules that there must be at least a week between two races, the opening Bahrain GP has also been moved forward from Sunday, March 3 to Saturday, March 2.

When is the first race of the F1 2024 season?

• The opening F1 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 2.
• It is expected to get underway from 3pm UK time – 6pm local time.
• Bahrain International Circuit is the allocated track for this opening race and it can host approximately 70,000 fans.
• Max Verstappen got off to a winning start at this exact circuit in 2023.

What is the FULL calendar?

Below are details for every single race in the 2024 calendar:

 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year