The 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will open its race weekend on Saturday instead of the traditional Friday, a change that has sparked questions among fans worldwide. According to F1i.com and The Independent, the decision was made to accommodate the local time zone and to maximise viewership in key markets, including India. The new schedule means the first practice session will start at 13:30 local time (10:00 IST), with qualifying and the race following on Saturday evening.
In the words of F1i.com, the organisers cited the need to avoid clashes with the 22:00 UTC broadcast slot that would have been required for a Friday start. By shifting the weekend forward, the race can be shown live in India during prime‑time hours, boosting viewership and advertising revenue for broadcasters such as FanCode. The change also aligns with the FIA’s broader strategy to make the sport more accessible to audiences in the Indian sub‑continent, where F1 has seen a steady rise in popularity.
While the Saturday start may seem like a minor tweak, it carries logistical implications for teams and fans alike. Teams will need to adjust their travel and practice schedules, and fans planning to attend the event must be aware that the opening session will now take place later in the day. However, the overall length of the weekend remains unchanged, with Sunday still reserved for the race itself.
For Indian viewers, the new timing is a welcome change. The race will be available live on FanCode from 10:00 IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. Fans can also catch the full weekend package on the F1 app, which offers live timing, driver commentary, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes footage. This move is expected to increase engagement and bring the thrill of Baku’s street circuit closer to audiences across India.
Source: F1i.com, The Independent
