For the first time ever, the FIA Formula 1 Championship will feature no less than 24 races from 21 countries in 2024, beginning when the lights go out in Bahrain on March 2nd.
Last year, that opening Bahrain Grand Prix attracted almost one million viewers in pubs and bars, one of the highest ever for Formula 1, and Sky Business – which will be screening all the race weekends exclusively live on the Sky Sports F1 channel – reckons this season will be a bumper one for Formula 1 fans in the on-trade.
A key factor is a new feature for this season which will see three of 2024’s races taking place on a Saturday rather than a Sunday. This weekend’s Bahrain race, then Saudi Arabia later in March, and Las Vegas towards the end of the year, will all screen on Saturdays.
“This is great news for venues as the opening Grand Prix in Bahrain aligns nicely with Saturday night football to encourage sports viewers to stay in for longer,” said Sky Business.
Recent Ipsos research found that more than two thirds of sport viewers agreed that it was a good idea for pubs and bars to show Formula 1. This season’s record 24-race total comes as a result of the return of the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time since 2019.
Sky Business director of hospitality James Tweddle said: “We are very excited about the upcoming 2024 Formula 1 season. With out of home viewing figures being smashed year on year for Formula 1, alongside a record-breaking season of 24 races, this provides a great opportunity to get fans staying in venue longer and spending more.”
