Why is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Saturday?
Gear up for back-to-back Saturday races.
Formula 1 has returned for the 2024 season with back-to-back Saturday races to kick-start the season, a move away from the traditional Sunday afternoon slots in European time.
The Bahrain Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen romp home to an expected, comfortable victory in Sakhir.
Attention will swiftly turn to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with another adjusted race weekend schedule – but why will it be hosted on a Saturday?
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The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was due to be held on the weekend of Saturday 9th to Sunday 10th March, but the Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins on Sunday. This led to the race in Riyadh being scheduled for Saturday.
The Bahrain Grand Prix went ahead on Saturday 2nd March due to a knock-on effect of the Saudi Arabian reschedule.
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FIA rules dictate there must be seven full days between races, meaning the Bahrain Grand Prix was brought forward to Saturday 2nd March to accommodate.
The only other Saturday race of the season will be staged in Las Vegas in November. The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was also held on a Saturday to ensure maximum convenience for viewership across the world, despite the late start time on the Strip.
Check out more Formula 1 coverage: F1 calendar 2024 | Watch F1 on TV | Listen to F1 on radio | F1 highlights | F1 presenters | F1 on Channel 4
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix schedule
All UK time.
Thursday 7th March
Live on Sky Sports F1
Practice 1 – 1:30pm
Practice 2 – 5pm
Friday 8th March
Live on Sky Sports F1
Practice 3 – 1:30pm
Qualifying – 5pm
Saturday 9th March
Live on Sky Sports F1
Race – 5pm
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