Formula 1 Extends Calendar To 24 Races
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has announced a record 24-race calendar for the upcoming 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship, which has been approved by the World Motor Sport Council.
The season will begin in Bahrain on 5th March and end in Abu Dhabi on 26th November, in what will be the sport’s longest season.
Despite the loss of the French Grand Prix for the new schedule, the return of Qatar and China, and the highly anticipated debut of Las Vegas, sees the number of races throughout the season increase by two.
The iconic Monaco Grand Prix and the race in Belgium have both retained their spots on the list, after both recently securing new deals with Formula 1. Monaco has extended until 2025 and Belgium has signed a one-year extension.
The traditional summer break will remain in August, though changes to race dates see Belgium move to the end of July as a back-to-back with Hungary, while the Netherlands is twinned with Italy after the restart.
The race in Las Vegas will happen on a Saturday night, as opposed to the usual Sunday slot, and will be the penultimate round of the championships, taking place on 18th November. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone retains its summer slot, with the date set for 9th July.
Formula 1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali, said, “We are excited to announce the 2023 calendar with 24 races around the world. Formula 1 has unprecedented demand to host races and it is important we get the balance right for the entire sport.
“We are very pleased with the strong momentum Formula 1 continues to experience and it is great news that we will be able to bring our passionate fans a mix of exciting new locations such as Las Vegas to the Championship with much loved venues across Europe, Asia and the Americas.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, added, “The presence of 24 races on the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is further evidence of the growth and appeal of the sport on a global scale.
“The addition of new venues and the retention of traditional events underlines the FIA’s sound stewardship of the sport.
“I am delighted that we will be able to take Formula 1’s new era of exciting racing, created by the FIA’s 2022 Regulations, to a broader fan base in 2023.
“In framing the 2023 F1 calendar, WMSC Members have also been mindful of the timing of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
