Formula 1 has to adapt. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

That's why Formula 1 is racing again in Saudi Arabia on Saturday

Formula 1 fans also have to prepare for an unusual schedule this weekend. But the reason for this is simple.

March 08, 2024

From: dpa

After qualifying on Friday, the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia will take place on Saturday (18.00 p.m. each day). In the previous week in Bahrain, the main race was not held on Sunday, but a day earlier. The changed process for the first two races of the season is due to the upcoming Ramadan. The Islamic month of fasting begins on Sunday. The month of fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a divine commandment. A race on Sunday is therefore not possible in the strictly conservative Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Because there has to be at least a week between two Grands Prix, the start of the season in Bahrain was brought forward to Saturday last week. As the races are brought forward, the other schedules on the race weekend will also change. After two training sessions on Thursday, the hunt for the best starting positions was scheduled for Friday after another practice session at 18 p.m.