When is F1 back? Start of 2024 championship date and full calendar for next season

After dominating the 2023 Formula One season, World Drivers' Championship winner Max Verstappen will return in 2024 looking for even more glory. 

The Dutchman has now won each of the last three individual titles, including last season when he broke the record for most wins in a single season along the way by taking the chequered flag on 19 occasions. 

As such, Red Bull's rivals will be hoping to make great strides over the off season to end their recent monopoly on victories in the sport. 

But when does F1 return next year, who will be driving for which team and where are the race scheduled to be? The Sporting News brings you all the latest. 

MORE: Confirmed drivers and team lineups for F1 season in 2024

What does Formula One return in 2024? 

Formula One will return in 2024 with pre-season testing taking place in Bahrain the week before the opening Grand Prix at the same circuit from February 21-23.

That three-day session will be vital for all teams and drivers as they look to get used to their new car designs on track for the first time against their competitors. 

The first grand prix of the season will take place in Bahrain on Saturday March 2 and will be the first of 24 races to take place next year. 

Formula One schedule 2024

Why are 2024 Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix races on Saturdays?

Both of the opening two races on the 2024 F1 calendar in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will be run on a Saturday. That's to accommodate the Muslim Holy period of Ramadan, which begins on Sunday March 10 – one day after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Japanese Grand Prix switches from September to April, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix moves the other way from April to September and the Qatar Grand Prix shifts from October to December.

Speaking to the official F1 website on the 2024 F1 calendar, Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of the sport said: "There is huge interest and continued demand for Formula 1 and I believe this calendar strikes the right balance between traditional races and new and existing venues."

“Our journey to a more sustainable calendar will continue in the coming years as we further streamline operations as part of our Net Zero 2030 commitment. We have plenty of racing to look forward to in 2023, including the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, and our fans can look forward to more excitement next season.”

F1 2024: Confirmed drivers and team lineups

Here's the full list of drivers who will be racing in 2024 for the 10 constructors: