"We're finally back running!“. Yes, and even in advance. Unlike other years, in fact, the opening grands prix of the 2024 F1 season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be held on Saturday. Why?
It's a question of… Ramadan
The decision taken by F1 to hold the first race in Bahrain on Saturday, like the one in Arabia, derives from willingness to respect Ramadan, sacred to Islamic culture and religion. With an estimated start date of March 10, in this period the faithful's goal is to grow spiritually and respect the obligatory fasting.
This has important implications on the calendaring of events, in this case F1 races.
Furthermore, the regulations state that there must be at least a week between 2 GPs. Here's why the race will take place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday 9 March and, consequently, in Bahrain on 2 March.
These innovations are no exception. In fact, on 75 occasions F1 races had already been held on a day other than Sunday. Last, last year's Las Vegas GP as the night race and the time difference would not have guaranteed the Europeans would have been able to watch it if it had taken place on Sunday.
Respect for traditions, but not only that
In an increasingly global and inclusive F1, respect for the traditions of the host countries is part of We Race As One, a campaign aimed at raising public awareness of issues with a strong social impact. But is this enough to motivate the decision?
First of all, it is good to remember that the president of the FIA – Mohammed Ben Sulayem – is Arab. This forces the leaders to pay greater attention to the Middle East.
Furthermore, Aramco – one of the largest companies in the world by revenue as well as the most profitable company globally – is one of the main sponsors of F1. This strategic partnership with Formula 1 marks a significant milestone in the the Arab company's efforts to increase the visibility and recognition of its brand globally. Aramco's initial offering (IPO) and its partnership with Formula 1 were facilitated by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which highlights how vital the economic component linking the two entities is.
The first F1 race of the year will take place on Saturday in Bahrain
Since money is everything, especially for an increasingly expanding reality, a sixth of the F1 events in 2024 will be Saturday night fever.
The lights, the fireworks... everything is ready to warm up the engines. With the first sessions starting tomorrow, remember well days and times.
Be careful not to make mistakes!
