Saudi Arabia set to host the opening race of the 2024 F1 season


Saudi Arabia set to host the opening race of the 2024 F1 season

Fumes behind the McLaren in FP1 of Saudi Arabian GP

During the 2021 season, F1 and Saudi Arabia got together to sign a 10 year deal where the circus will race in the country for 10 more years. Previously, the race was held at the Jeddah corniche circuit for the 2021 and 2022 season. That fast flowing street circuit provided an immense amount of action and drama for 2 continuous seasons but things have now changed.

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The race in Saudi Arabia will now take place in the new-build city of Qiddiyah for future events of the sport. The amount of excitement that the race in the Jedda provided was unprovoked. Whilst there was a lot of risk for accidents on the track, drivers pushed much harder for their lap-times. People still remember Max Verstappen’s unbelievable charge during the 2021 race weekend.

When Q3 of the qualifying round for the 2021 Grand Prix was taking place, Max Verstappen went on a charge with two purple sectors and kept on pushing. It was an unbelievable lap until he lost it at the end and crashed into a barrier to lose out on pole position. Such is the level of craziness during the middle eastern rounds. However with Ramadan starting on 10 March, Saudi Arabia made a request to the authorities.

Saudi Arabia wanted to host their race before Ramadan starts

In 2024, Ramadan will start from 10th March and end by 10th April. With Saudi Arabia shifting from being the penultimate race to the second race of the season, it was necessary for them to host it earlier so that the events won’t clash. With Arabia being the second round for the 2023 season, it won’t be the same case going into the 2024 season.

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Here is the statement. “Part of the deal will see Melbourne host the first race of the Formula 1 season for at least four years between 2023 and 2037, with Saudi Arabia to host to the first race of the 2024 Formula 1 season out of respect for Ramadan.” It is a very important event for the individuals residing in the country so it is understandable as to why they were permitted to do so.

For the 2023 season, F1 has made sure that the middle eastern rounds of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia take place early in order to ensure that they won’t clash with Ramadan which is taking place from 22nd March till 22nd April. Bahrain will also be hosting the Pre Season testing round which will be taking place from Feb 23rd to 25th. Interesting times lie ahead for the fans.

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