Three race dates stand out on the 2024 Formula One calendar: Saturdays will host the Grands Prix in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Las Vegas. Why? We clarify.
It appears like Formula 1 will defy tradition for three races in 2024. This is due to the fact that spectators will enjoy Saturday races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Las Vegas to start the year.
The commencement of the holy month of Ramadan is the reason behind the first two incidents, which include Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This implies that Saturday will host the first two races of the 2024 season. Yes, on Saturday, March 9, 2024, the day of the marathon in Jedda, Ramadan begins at sunset.
This also means that the Bahraini race has to be moved to Saturday, one week earlier than planned. This is a side effect of Ramadan beginning because the Formula One Circus would have one if the inaugural race had been held on Sunday on less day to travel to Saudi Arabia
Even though they both sound “close,” they will actually need to travel a considerable distance—nearly 15 hours—by car. Therefore, cutting down on travel and setup time by one day is definitely not ideal.
Grand Prix in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will also take place on Saturday later in the year. There is another reason for this, which is the audience that is in both America and Europe. When is the ideal time to please supporters in Europe and viewers in the United States? Saturday evening.
The CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Renee Wilm, explains: “We have devised a way to enable European fans to watch the event at six or seven in the morning, exactly like it occurs in the United States throughout the European races.
Therefore, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will begin at 10 p.m. for Americans.