F1 set to change start time of grands prix
Races poised to revert back to on-the-hour starts
Formula 1 is poised to make its second significant change to its grand prix weekend programme ahead of the 2021 season, GPFans Global understands.
The sport has already decided that for this year there will only be two hours of free practice on a Friday, split across two one-hour sessions, compared to the previous three of past seasons.
Sources have indicated to GPFans Global that F1 is also now set to revert back to race start times on the hour rather than 10 past, with European events, in particular, to begin at 2pm rather than 3.10pm as has been the case for the past three years.
The switch to 10 minutes past the hour starts was made ahead of the 2018 campaign as new owners Liberty Media felt it would better suit television programmers as well as increase viewing figures.
The belief was the vast majority of companies would be able to start their broadcast on the hour and would therefore benefit from a 10-minute lead time into a race.
Similarly, it was also felt a later race start for European events would also benefit TV broadcasters and audiences.
It has become apparent over time, however, that the benefits are minimal, and for the teams especially there has actually been a detrimental effect as the later race starts has had a knock-on effect with regard to the finish time for post-race pack up.
It is understood the teams have backed F1's proposal which is expected to be ratified shortly.
Related
More F1 news
Latest F1 news
Recommended by the editors
Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes chief boasts how Lewis Hamilton still helped them AFTER joining Ferrari
Latest F1 News
F1 champion admits 'I was living the dream and convinced I would be fired'
F1 News & Gossip
Aston Martin are in crisis but Alonso would never 'throw in the towel like Lewis Hamilton'
F1 News & Gossip
Carlos Sainz 'open to' sensational McLaren F1 return
Races
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2026
-
Grand Prix of China 2026
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Bahrain 2026
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2026
-
Miami Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix du Canada 2026
-
Grand Prix De Monaco 2026
-
Gran Premio de Barcelona-Catalunya 2026
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2026
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2026
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2026
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2026
-
Dutch Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2026
-
Gran Premio de España 2026
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2026
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2026
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2026
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2026
-
Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2026
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2026
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2026
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2026
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Editorial & corporate information
Avenue HQ
10–12 East Parade
Leeds
LS1 2BH
United Kingdom Regional correspondence
View contact page