In a collective move to enhance the excitement of Formula 1 weekends, teams have reached a consensus to modify the schedule of Sprint events for the 2024 season onwards.
The updated format, planned for six races in 2024, aims to maintain the existing lineup of sessions while optimizing their sequence for an improved fan experience.
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Kicking off with free practice on Friday, the weekend will now feature the Sprint qualifying session, also known as the Sprint Shootout, as the day’s concluding event. This replaces the previously held qualifying session for Sunday’s main race.
Saturday’s schedule will begin with the Sprint, setting the stage for the traditional qualifying session later in the afternoon, determining the starting grid for Sunday’s grand prix.
The modifications were ratified during the F1 Commission meeting in London this Monday and await final approval from the World Motorsport Council, which is set to convene on February 28.
The 2024 season will see Sprint races at the following grand prix locations: China, Miami, Austria, United States (Austin), Sao Paulo, and Qatar, introducing a fresh dynamic to these selected events.
The impact of the revised schedule on parc-ferme rules, which previously limited teams from making significant alterations to their cars following the sole practice session on Friday, is yet to be determined.
At the meeting on Monday, presided over by F1 president Stefano Domenicali and FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis, there was consensus to increase the power unit allocation for each driver from four to five for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Additionally, the deployment of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) during races will now be enabled one lap, instead of two laps, following the commencement or restart of a race, which could lead to more immediate action.
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When is the 20024 F1 pre-season testing?
Pre-season testing is scheduled from Wednesday, February 21, to Friday, February 23, at the Bahrain International Circuit, offering teams a mere three-day window to finalize their preparations for the upcoming season.
When is the first 2024 F1 race?
The first race of the 2024 season is set to take off with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29 to March 2, one week after pre-season testing.
Observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, both the Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, occurring seven days apart, will be staged on Saturdays. This adjustment results in the first and second practice sessions being held on Thursdays, while the final practice and qualifying sessions will move to Fridays.
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