F1 Schedule Shakeup: Chinese Grand Prix Announced as a Highlight of the 2024 Season
Revamped 2024 F1 Calendar: Chinese Grand Prix Returns in Schedule Overhaul
In a significant revision of the 2024 schedule, China is set to make its return to the Formula 1 calendar, marking its first appearance since the pandemic-induced disruptions. The new calendar features several notable changes aimed at sustainability and regionalization.
The season kicks off with races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, scheduled on Saturdays, to accommodate the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. To further prioritize sustainability, the Japanese race shifts to 7 April from its usual autumn date.
Azerbaijan and Singapore will be twinned in September, offering back-to-back race weekends in these captivating destinations. With a total of 24 races, the 2024 calendar matches the record number initially planned for this year before the Chinese and Emilia-Romagna Grands Prix had to be canceled.
The Australian Grand Prix organizers previously announced that Saudi Arabia would host the opening race of the 2024 season. To accommodate both Bahrain and Jeddah before Melbourne, F1 has ingeniously scheduled the Middle Eastern events as Saturday night races. This strategic decision considers the start of Ramadan on the evening of 10 March, a day after the Saudi race.
China’s anticipated return was postponed this year due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 situation. However, with the lifting of social restrictions and improved conditions, the country is now prepared to welcome the exhilarating race back.
While striving for greater regionalization to reduce carbon emissions from flights, F1 encountered resistance from Canadian organizers who opposed twinning the Montreal race with Miami in May. Consequently, the Canadian Grand Prix retains its traditional June date, requiring teams to make two transatlantic trips in just over a month.
F1 Chairman Stefano Domenicali expressed the commitment to creating a more sustainable calendar and further streamlining operations in line with the Net Zero 2030 commitment. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of improving environmental sustainability and ensuring the well-being of the traveling staff dedicated to the sport.
Pre-season testing is slated to take place in Bahrain from 21 to 23 February, pending approval from the FIA World Motorsport Council.
Full 2024 F1 Calendar:
29 February – 2 March: Bahrain
7-9 March: Saudi Arabia
22-24 March: Australia
5-7 April: Japan
19-21 April: China
3-5 May: Miami
17-19 May: Emilia-Romagna
24-26 May: Monaco
7-9 June: Canada
21-23 June: Spain
28-30 June: Austria
5-7 July: United Kingdom
19-21 July: Hungary
26-28 July: Belgium
23-25 August: Netherlands
30 August – 1 September: Italy
13-15 September: Azerbaijan
20-22 September: Singapore
18-20 October: USA (Austin)
25-27 October: Mexico City
1-3 November: Brazil
21-23 November: Las Vegas
29 November – 1 December: Qatar
6-8 December: Abu Dhabi
