SUMMARY
- The 2024 F1 season continues with the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix after Max Verstappen's Bahrain victory.
- The Saudi Arabia GP schedule shifts, starting Thursday and ending Saturday due to Ramadan.
With a spectacular start to the 2024 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the grid is headed to Saudi Arabia for the second race. The reigning champion Max Verstappen sealed a smooth victory in Bahrain to start the season. While Red Bull is trying to maintain their dominant streak in this new season, lackluster performance by Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin might cost them a shot at the championship title.
The latest campaign will be filled with inevitable surprises in the packed 24-race calendar. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit has a history of delivering drama. In the previous years, three different drivers claimed victory in the Middle Eastern nation since its inaugural race in 2021. With the Bahrain Grand Prix wrapping up, all eyes turn to Saudi Arabia for the next thrill.
Revamped schedule of Saudi Arabia GP
The race at Jeddah stuck to a regular routine, holding practice sessions on Friday, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday. But that is not the case for the 2024 season.
Here is the restructured schedule for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2024:
Date | Event | Time (GMT +3) |
07 March | Free Practice 1 | 4:30-5:30 pm |
07 March | Free Practice 2 | 8:00-9:00 pm |
08 March | Free Practice 3 | 4:30-5:30 pm |
08 March | F1 Saudi Arabian Qualifying | 8:00-9:00 pm |
09 March | F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | 8:00 pm |
This change is due to Ramadan, leading the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix to shift its opening race from Sunday to Saturday. As a result, the race weekend now runs from Thursday to Saturday.
It’s Back to Back Race weeks!
SAUDI ARABIA GP:🇸🇦🏁
Location: Jeddah
First Race: 2021
Circuit Lenght: 6.174km
Laps: 50
Fun Fact: Saudi is the 2nd longest track on the calendar.#maxverstappen #oracleredbullracing #jeddah #SaudiArabiaGP #Race2 #F1 #f1season2024 #RB20 pic.twitter.com/V61z4r2Ahb— Ja-nine Branford (@JB_RBPaddockF1) March 4, 2024
For fans in the United Kingdom, the action-packed Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 2024 kicks off on Saturday, March 9th at 17:00 UK time. Before that, on Thursday, we have the first practice session at 13:30 UK, followed by the second practice session at 17:00 UK. Friday will start off the third practice session starting at 13:30 UK while qualifying will begin at 17:00 UK.
The D-day or the race day will take place on Saturday, March 9th at 17:00 UK time.
Catch the Saudi Arabia GP 2024: Broadcasting channels
Having set the ground for the new season by Red Bull last weekend, fans are eager to witness what is in store for the next 23 races. The performance has many predicting a strong season for Red Bull. Their RB20 car, with its unique design, has raised eyebrows in the F1 world and could prove to be a force to reckon with.
Saudi Arabia gears up for #F1 greatness! 🏎
Experience the intensity of three days of racing excitement. Enhance your journey with a private jet, ensuring your arrival matches the thrill of the F1 Grand Prix. 🚁 pic.twitter.com/S78hCZNEbw
— Kull Jet (@KullJet) February 25, 2024
Mercedes, on the other hand, seems to have made significant improvements with their W15 car compared to the last couple of years. While McLaren did not have the best start, they are optimistic about their chances in Saudi Arabia and aim to close the gap with the Austrian outfit.
To catch all the live-action drama, turn to the following channels/websites:
Country | Platform |
USA | ESPN, ESPN Deportes |
UK | Sky Sports, C4 |
Germany | Sky Deutschland |
Italy | Sky Italia |
France | Canal+ |
India | F1 TV Pro |