Formula 1 2024: Everything you need to know ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix
The wait is over. After three months off and three days of testing, the 2024 Formula 1 season is set to start in Bahrain for the fourth consecutive year. All 20 drivers from last year's grid remain with their same teams this season, a first in Formula 1 history.
Three-time defending champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons in the Formula 1 history in 2023. Testing results last week showed Red Bull is likely still the class of the field with others still closing the gap.
Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, here's what to know about the 2024 Formula 1 season:
'Mr. Diversity' to explains: F1 is second to none when it comes to inclusivity
Formula 1 2024: Teams and driver lineups
Oracle Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen
Sergio Perez
Mercedes-AMG Petronas
Lewis Hamilton
George Russell
Scuderia Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Carlos Sainz Jr.
McLaren
Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri
Aston Martin Aramco
Fernando Alonso
Lance Stroll
BWT Alpine
Esteban Ocon
Pierre Gasly
Williams
Alexander Albon
Logan Sargeant
Visa Cash App RB
Daniel Ricciardo
Yuki Tsunoda
Kick Sauber
Zhou Guanyu
Valtteri Bottas
MoneyGram Haas
Nico Hulkenberg
Kevin Magnussen
'Still calling them Toro Rosso': F1 team's rebrand to Visa Cash App RB leaves fans longing
Formula 1 2024: Schedule changes
This year, Formula 1 will have a record-high 24 races. Formula 1 organizers changed the schedule compared to 2023 in an effort to reduce "logistical burdens" in an effort to make the sport more sustainable.
Three races have changed weekends for 2024: the Japanese Grand Prix moved up to April, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix moved later to September, and the Qatar Grand Prix will be the second-to-last race of the year.
The first two races of the year in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be held on Saturday night local time to accommodate for Ramadan.
Riding in style? Here's how much a Formula 1 race car costs (hint: it's a lot)
Formula 1 2024: Sprint weekend changes
The 2024 Formula 1 season sees a slight tweak in weekend formats as well. Six of the 24 events will be sprint weekends, starting with the Chinese Grand Prix in April.
Sprint race weekends will have Practice and Sprint Shootout sessions on Friday, Sprint Race and Qualifying sessions on Saturday, and the Grand Prix Race on Sunday.
Formula 1 2024: How to watch races in the U.S.
ESPN holds the broadcasting rights to Formula 1 in the U.S. this season. Since 2018, the network has simulcast U.K.-based Sky Sports' coverage of Formula 1 events. Most races air on ESPN live and on ESPN+ with select events moving to ABC under the ESPN on ABC banner.
Fans can watch Formula 1 in the U.S. with the sports' own streaming service, F1TV. The service offers two tiers - F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Access - that include multiple ways to catch the action on track. FuboTV also streams Formula 1 coverage in the U.S.
How to watch: Catch the Bahrain Grand Prix and more with a Fubo subscription
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Formula 1 2024: What you need to know before the Bahrain Grand Prix