Why is the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday? Schedule and start time for race weekend

Brad Cox

Why is the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday? Schedule and start time for race weekend image

As Formula 1 gears up for another exciting season, fans will notice a slight twist in the opening two weekends.

This season the excitement kicks off with races being held on Saturday instead of the customary Sunday.

This will see Max Verstappen embark on his championship defence on March 2 in Bahrain.

The Sporting News takes a look at why that is and what other changes have been made to the 2024 calendar. 

MORE: F1 2024 season predictions, odds and best bets

Why are the 2024 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix on Saturdays?

Both of the opening races of the 2024 F1 season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are scheduled to take place on Saturdays. This adjustment comes to respect the Muslim Holy period of Ramadan, which starts on Sunday, March 10, just a day after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

There are also changes elsewhere throughout the calendar as the Japanese Grand Prix has been moved from September to April, while the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has shifted to September. Additionally, the Qatar Grand Prix will take place in December rather than October.

Speaking to the official F1 website on the 2024 F1 calendar, Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of the sport said: "There is huge interest and continued demand for Formula 1, and I believe this calendar strikes the right balance between traditional races and new and existing venues.

“Our journey to a more sustainable calendar will continue in the coming years as we further streamline operations as part of our Net Zero 2030 commitment."

F1 Bahrain Grand Prix start time and weekend schedule

Day Session Time (ET) Time (UK) Time (AEDT)
Thursday Practice 6:30 am & 10:00 am 11:30 am & 3:00 pm 10:30pm & 2am (Friday)
Friday Qualifying 11:00 am 4:00 pm 3:00 am (Saturday)
Saturday Race 10:00 am 3:00 pm 2:00 am (Sunday)

F1 2024: Confirmed drivers and team lineups

Team

Driver End of contract
Mercedes Lewis Hamilton 2024
Mercedes George Russell 2025
Red Bull Max Verstappen 2028
Red Bull Sergio Perez 2024
Ferrari Charles Leclerc 2024
Ferrari Carlos Sainz 2024
McLaren Lando Norris 2025
McLaren Oscar Piastri 2026
Alpine Esteban Ocon 2024
Alpine Pierre Gasly 2024
RB Yuki Tsunoda 2024
RB Daniel Ricciardo 2024
Aston Martin Fernando Alonso 2024
Aston Martin Lance Stroll Multi-year
Kick Sauber Valtteri Bottas 2025
Kick Sauber Zhou Guanyu 2024
Haas Kevin Magnussen 2024
Haas Nico Hulkenberg 2024
Williams Alex Albon 2024
Williams Logan Sargeant 2024

Formula One schedule 2024

The 2024 F1 calendar features 24 races spanning March to December, with the first race in Bahrain and the season concluding in Abu Dhabi. 

In line with efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and align with sustainability objectives, the schedule emphasises regionalisation, leading to shifts in race placements, notably for the Japanese, Azerbaijan, and Qatar Grands Prix. 

The opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia take place on Saturdays instead of the customary Sundays. Here's the schedule in full:

Round Date Grand Prix Venue
1. March 2 Bahrain Sakir
2. March 9 Saudi Arabia Jeddah
3. March 24 Australia Melbourne
4. April 7 Japan Suzuka
5. April 21 China Shanghai
6. May 5 Miami Int. Autodrome
7. May 19 Emilia Romagna Imola
8. May 26 Monaco Monaco
9. June 9 Canada Montreal
10. June 23 Spain Barcelona
11. June 30 Austria Spielberg
12. July 7 UK Silverstone
13. July 21 Hungary Hungaroring
14. July 28 Belgium Spa
15. August 25 Netherlands Zandvoort
16, September 1 Italy Monza
17. September 15 Azerbaijan Baku
18. September 22 Singapore Singapore
19. October 20 USA Austin
20. October 27 Mexico Mexico City
21. November 3 Brazil Sao Paulo
22. November 23 Las Vegas Las Vegas Street Circuit
23. December 1 Qatar  Lusail
24. December 8 Abu Dhabi Yas Marina

Brad Cox

Brad Cox Photo

Brad is a content producer for The Sporting News and has previously worked for the likes of Squawka and The Athletic. His career highlight to date is reporting from the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final in Paris.