Formula 1 2024: Full calendar, schedule & everything you need to know

As the 2024 Formula 1 season revs up for its most extended run, racing enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the return of thrilling battles and dramatic moments. The upcoming season promises to be a spectacle, featuring a record-breaking 24 races across 21 countries. Here’s everything you need to know before the lights go out at the first race in Bahrain.

The F1 2024 Calendar

The 2024 season boasts the longest F1 calendar in its history, with 24 races planned across 21 countries. Notable inclusions are the return of the Chinese Grand Prix, which faced Covid-related cancellations, and the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, making a comeback after flooding led to the cancellation of the 2023 race.

Additionally, Las Vegas retains its Saturday race slot, while Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will host Saturday races during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Despite this expansion, some drivers, including champion Max Verstappen, express concerns about the toll of a gruelling 24-race season.

Verstappen, the current champion, feels that having 24 races is “a bit much,” a sentiment shared by British driver Lando Norris, who finds the same number “quite a handful.” Norris added, “If I had to pick the perfect number, it’d probably be closer to 20.”

Sprint Races: A Dash of Excitement

Hold on to your seats for six sprint races this season, featuring thrilling sprints in China, Miami, Austria, the US, Brazil, and Qatar. China and Miami debut as hosts for these electrifying races.

“I think six sprint races is good,”  said Charles Leclerc.

“To have one free practice and go straight to qualifying is something I enjoy.”

The FIA is exploring changes to make sprint races more viewer-friendly, with a proposed shift of qualifying for the sprint to Friday.

Also Read: Formula 1 2024 Sprint Calendar: Six venues confirmed

F1 Driver Contracts and Potential Shake-Up

The majority of drivers enter this season with only one year remaining on their contracts.

Keep an eye on drivers like Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso, whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season.

Charles Leclerc has made a commitment to continue with Ferrari, joining the ranks of Verstappen, the Mercedes duo of Hamilton and George Russell, and McLaren’s Norris and Oscar Piastri, who all have contracts extending beyond the current season.

What are double-headers and triple-headers?

To handle the high number of races this season, Formula 1 is organizing Grands Prix on consecutive weekends whenever they can. When there are two races on back-to-back weekends, it’s called a double-header, and if there are three, it’s known as a triple-header.

Additional Changes Introduced

The 2024 season brings exciting changes to enhance the sport. After facing extreme heat challenges in the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, a nifty scoop will be installed in the cockpit to keep drivers cool.

Plans for a tyre blanket ban are temporarily on hold, and looking ahead, the FIA puts a hold on 2026 car development.

A statement read: “The commission agreed that no work may be carried out on the development of a car for the 2026 season before the start of 2025.”

F1 2024 Race Schedule

DATES	EVENT	VENUE
February 21-23	Pre-season testing	Sakhir
February 29 – March 2	Bahrain Grand Prix	Sakhir
March 7-9	Saudi Arabian Grand Prix	Jeddah
March 22-24	Australian Grand Prix	Melbourne
April 5-7	Japanese Grand Prix	Suzuka
April 19-21	Chinese Grand Prix	Shanghai
May 3-5	Miami Grand Prix	Miami
May 17-19	Emilia Romagna Grand Prix	Imola
May 24-26	Monaco Grand Prix	Monaco
June 7-9	Canadian Grand Prix	Montreal
June 21-23	Spanish Grand Prix	Barcelona
June 28-30	Austrian Grand Prix	Spielberg
July 5-7	British Grand Prix	Silverstone
July 19-21	Hungarian Grand Prix	Budapest
July 26-28	Belgian Grand Prix	Spa
August 23-25	Dutch Grand Prix	Zandvoort
August 30 – September 1	Italian Grand Prix	Monza
September 13-15	Azerbaijan Grand Prix	Baku
September 20-22	Singapore Grand Prix	Singapore
October 18-20	United States Grand Prix	Austin
October 25-27	Mexican Grand Prix	Mexico City
November 1-3	Brazilian Grand Prix	Sao Paulo
November 21-23	Las Vegas Grand Prix	Las Vegas
November 29 – December 1	Qatar Grand Prix	Lusail
December 6-8	Abu Dhabi Grand Prix	Yas Marina

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