Why F1 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs are on Saturday

Groups and drivers are gearing up for the longest season in F1’s historical past, with as many as 24 grands prix on the calendar.

However that is not the one particular factor in regards to the 2024 season, because the 12 months kicks off with two races on Saturday: the Bahrain (2 March) and Saudi Arabian (9 March) grands prix. 

Why does the 2024 F1 season begin on a Saturday?

The explanation the 2024 Method 1 season begins with two races on Saturdays is Ramadan, which begins on Sunday 10 March – the day the Saudi Arabia grand prix is meant to be held.

Due to the beginning of Ramadan, this race has been introduced ahead someday to be held on the Saturday night time. The explanation that the season opener in Bahrain additionally takes place per week earlier on Saturday has to do with F1 guidelines, because the laws stipulate that there have to be at the very least per week between two races.

This pressured the Bahrain season opener to be moved someday earlier as effectively, to accommodate for it.

Saudi Arabian GP motion

Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photos

What is the schedule for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs?

As the primary two races of the season are on a Saturday, all the schedule has been introduced ahead by a day.

Meaning the 2 one-hour free apply classes might be held on Thursday, whereas the third free apply and qualifying classes will then happen on Friday.

In each instances, the primary day of the weekend is solely devoted to the race.

Bahrain GP 2024 schedule

Saudi Arabian GP 2024 schedule

Extra F1 races on Saturdays in 2024

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix aren’t the one two races in 2024 which might be held on a Saturday, because the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 24 November can be scheduled on a Saturday.

That is because of the important time distinction with Europe. In actual fact, the race takes place at 10pm native time – have been it to occur on a Sunday, the race would begin at 6am on Monday morning within the UK.

Many followers would then have to go away for work, which might end in poor viewing figures. It was due to this fact determined to carry the race ahead a day to permit extra F1 followers worldwide to modify on.

1985 South African GP motion

Picture by: Motorsport Photos

When was the final time F1 raced on a Saturday?

F1 is not a stranger to not racing on a Sunday, although it is not precisely frequent.

Simply 75 F1 races have been held on days aside from a Sunday, with the newest being 2023’s Las Vegas GP.

Earlier than that although, you’d have to return 38 years to the 1985 South African GP which was held on a Saturday.