Get Ready for the 2024 Formula 1 Season!
With the 2023 Formula 1 season officially wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, it’s time to gear up for 2024. Here’s a roundup of everything you need to know, from the upcoming driver line-up and calendar to notable regulation changes.
The past year saw Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominating the tracks, with teams like McLaren and Ferrari showing improvements toward the season’s end. Looking ahead, there’s anticipation for changes, including Alfa Romeo’s shift to the Sauber brand in 2024 and a potential name change for Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri, rumored to be called Racing Bulls.
While not witnessing major upheavals, the 2024 season promises excitement with a record-breaking 24-race calendar, making it the most extensive year in championship history. Get ready for a thrilling ride!
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 F1 season:
2024 F1 driver line-up
Stability in the 2024 F1 Grid: Few Changes Anticipated
As we approach the new season, most of the 2023 F1 grid remains unchanged, with teams opting to stick with their existing drivers. The majority of contracts are slated to conclude at the end of 2024, contributing to a relatively consistent lineup.
The sole unconfirmed seat is that of rookie driver Logan Sargeant at Williams, although the team has expressed optimism about retaining the American for the upcoming year.
Daniel Ricciardo has secured his place at AlphaTauri, filling the gap left by Nyck de Vries midseason in 2023. Despite speculations surrounding Sergio Perez’s position at Red Bull after a challenging mid-season, those rumors have been dispelled. There were even murmurs suggesting Ricciardo’s potential move to the team, but such speculations have been dismissed.
While the grid remains stable from the latter part of the previous season, 2024 promises to be more intriguing, with 13 out of 20 seats up for contention at the end of the upcoming year.
2024 F1 calendar
2024 F1 Season Set for Kickoff on February 29 with a Record 24 Races
The eagerly anticipated 2024 Formula 1 season is scheduled to commence on February 29, featuring a groundbreaking 24-race calendar. In a bid to enhance sustainability, the FIA has regionalized the calendar, notable for relocating the Japanese Grand Prix to April, forming a distinct Asian leg.
A notable comeback is the Chinese Grand Prix, rejoining the F1 calendar after a four-year absence. The Qatar Grand Prix will take its place as the penultimate race, addressing the heat concerns faced by drivers in 2023 and facilitating smoother logistics for the transportation of cars and equipment to the Abu Dhabi finale. Get ready for an action-packed season!
When is F1 pre-season testing?
F1 2024 Pre-Season Testing to Commence on February 21 in Bahrain
Get ready for the adrenaline as Formula 1’s pre-season testing for 2024 is all set to kick off on February 21 in Bahrain. Teams will have three days of intensive testing to fine-tune their machines ahead of the first grand prix the following week.
In a notable change, the FIA has adjusted the testing schedule, now running from 10 am to 7 pm each day, a shift from the 7:30 pm schedule observed in 2023. The move aligns with the FIA’s sustainability goals, with all testing sessions conveniently hosted in Bahrain. This strategic choice eliminates the need for transporting cars and equipment between pre-season testing and the opening grand prix, streamlining the logistical process for teams. Excitement awaits as the teams gear up for a crucial phase of preparation!
2024 F1 car launch dates
2024 F1 Car Launch Dates Await Announcement
While the official car launch dates for the 2024 F1 season are yet to be disclosed, it’s worth noting that in the previous season (2023), teams unveiled their cars between January 31 and February 16. With pre-season testing commencing on February 21 (two days earlier than the previous year), there’s anticipation that teams might opt for slightly earlier car releases compared to the preceding season. Stay tuned for the exciting reveals as teams gear up for the upcoming F1 campaign!
2024 F1 regulation changes
FIA Implements Rule Change on Testing of Old Cars
The FIA has introduced modifications to regulations regarding the testing of old Formula 1 cars, specifically targeting the usage of components. According to the revised Article 10.2 C) of the Sporting Regulations, cars must now exclusively utilize components and software specifications that have been employed in at least one competition or testing of a current car within a championship season.
This regulation adjustment is aimed at preventing teams from running entirely new components on older cars in an attempt to exploit testing restrictions and gain an advantage. The FIA’s move ensures a more level playing field and reinforces fairness in the testing process.
Who are the 2024 F1 reserve drivers
F1 Teams Unveil 2024 Reserve Drivers Lineup
As the anticipation for the 2024 season builds up, Formula 1 teams are revealing their reserve driver lineups. Notably, some teams have chosen to retain their 2023 reserve drivers, such as Red Bull’s promising rookie Liam Lawson and Mercedes’ Mick Schumacher.
In contrast, several teams have opted for fresh faces, with McLaren making a splash by introducing two new reserve drivers for the upcoming season. The team has officially signed 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa and IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward to bolster their reserve driver lineup. Stay tuned for further announcements as teams finalize their rosters ahead of the exciting 2024 F1 season.
Are changes being made to the Formula 1 sprint races?
Formula 1 Mulls Overhaul of Sprint Race Format for 2024
Discussions are underway within Formula 1 to revamp the sprint race format for the 2024 season, a move that has garnered support from teams and bosses. While specific changes are yet to be finalized, further talks are scheduled with the FIA in January. The potential alterations could encompass a complete weekend timetable overhaul or the introduction of a reverse grid format.
The six sprint weekends in 2023 underwent some adjustments, notably with a separate qualifying session for the sprint race, decoupling it from determining the grid for Sunday’s grand prix. However, this shift placed teams under parc ferme rules from Friday’s FP1 onwards.
As talks progress between F1 and teams for a format overhaul in 2024, one proposal suggests moving qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix back to Saturday afternoon, with the sprint race taking place in the morning. Additionally, the sprint shootout qualifying, which determines the sprint race grid, could be relocated to Friday following FP1. This potential change might open up parc ferme conditions after the sprint race, allowing teams the flexibility to make necessary adjustments ahead of qualifying. Stay tuned for further developments as discussions unfold.
