24 AMAZING RACES
Kaye Holland takes a whistle-stop tour of the world’s most glamorous sporting championship with David Croft, Natalie Pinkham, Simon Lazenby and Bernie Collins of Sky Sports F1’s expert presenting line-up. They guide you through the tracks Sky Sports will be visiting on the 2024 Formula 1 calendar
Formula 1 is back – and for its longest campaign ever. There are a record-breaking 24 Grands Prix™ taking place across 21 countries in the 2024 F1 season, with the Chinese Grand Prix and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix both returning to the line-up.
As part of a move to “greater calendar regionalisation”, the Japanese Grand Prix has been moved from its traditional September/October slot to April, between the Australian Grand Prix and the returning Chinese Grand Prix. Meanwhile the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been moved to September. And Qatar will now stage the penultimate race of the season before the season finale in Abu Dhabi on 8 December.
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said: “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.” Ahead of the first race in Bahrain on Saturday 2 March, we take a look at the 24 hosts – and what makes them so special on and off the track.
24 INCREDIBLE PLACES
Location Built on the site of a former camel farm in the desert, Formula 1’s first venue in the Middle East is a 30-minute drive from Manama, the island nation’s capital. On track Designed by F1's architect of choice, Hermann Tilke, the Bahrain International Circuit is visually stunning with its desert setting. Organisers spray an adhesive on the sand around the track – and the floodlit backdrop offers a sense of drama on race day. With 15 corners and three straights, expect plenty of overtaking (particularly at turns 1 and 11). Added extras Fusions by Tala – the brainchild of Tala Bashmi, the first-ever holder of the MENA Best Female Chef award – is the hot ticket here. Classic Bahraini recipes are reimagined using ingredients from local farmers’ markets and served on a rooftop terrace against the backdrop of the Manama skyline. As well as being the site of the International Circuit, Sakhir is Bahrain’s main desert region – and one of the best ways to see it is on a desert safari. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the golden dunes for wildlife spotting, camel rides and dinner in a (re-created) Bedouin camp.
SIMON LAZENBY,
Sky Sports F1 presenter
29 February-2 March
BAHRAIN
Round
1
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Since it became a night race in 2014 Bahrain has become one of everyone’s favourite race weekends. The drivers know it very well because they test there. I call it the ‘Garden party Grand Prix’ because it is virtually in the Crown Prince’s garden and he looks after everyone in the paddock so well.
Round
2
Location Jeddah hosted Saudi’s first F1 race in 2021 and the port city will continue to do so until a purpose-built track in Qiddiya is ready. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, as its name suggests, is located in Corniche – the coastal resort area, 12km north of the city proper.
On track If you feel the need for speed, then this is the circuit for you: cars average around 250km/ph, sometimes reaching as high as 322km/ph. For the best view of the flowing circuit’s defining feature – its 27 corners (the most on the calendar) – you’ll want to sit in the central grandstands. Like its Middle Eastern counterparts this one is also under lights. Added extras New and old worlds coexist in Jeddah. The temporary track may have only been constructed in 2021 but Souq Al Alawi offers a glimpse into the city’s past: shop til you drop in the labyrinth-like lanes which, at sunset, are filled with the sound of the call to prayer.
Given Jeddah’s proximity to the Red Sea, the city is home to a cornucopia of seafood restaurants, many of which are located in the Al Balad area. We recommend the family-run Al Basali (+966 50 430 1163) that has been around since 1949. The menu features an irresistible collection of coral trout, lobster, and shrimp.
7-9 March
Arabia
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
“A really fun circuit” according to Lando Norris and quick, very quick. The spectacle of racing at night on a circuit that hugs the shores of the Red Sea makes this a street race with a difference.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Saudi
Location A fan favourite ever since its inaugural race in 1996, the Albert Park F1 circuit is just 3km south of downtown Melbourne and a stone's throw from St Kilda Beach. Catching a tram to the Grand Prix is not only a practical means of transport, it’s a quintessential Melbourne experience. On track Set amid the trees and lakes of Albert Park, this temporary street circuit stands out for having four DRS zones – the most of any circuit – so the racing is always exciting. Factor in a party atmosphere and fantastic weather, and you have one of the finest F1 racing experiences. Added extras As soon as the gates open, punters head for the Melbourne Walk – a fenced path near the main paddock – to snap selfies with their favourite drivers. When the chequered flag drops, they make for M Lane where there’s music every day on the Main Stage.
Away from Albert Park, ascend the Eureka Tower to the 88th-floor observation deck – the highest in the southern hemisphere at nearly 1,000ft – for uninterrupted views of Melbourne’s skyline. The skyscraper is named after the Eureka Stockade, a rebellion during the Victorian gold rush in 1854. Tip: For the best vistas, choose a clear day and aim to head up just before sunset.
22-24 March
Australia
It’s a cosmopolitan city with a European vibe, loads of coffee shops and brunch bars. The track itself is leafy and prone to a highly changeable climate, keeping us all on our toes. Crowded House’s Four Seasons In One Day was written about Melbourne for a reason; you never know what’s next with the weather.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Round
3
Natalie Pinkham,
Sky Sports F1 presenter
Location The long-time home of the Japanese GP, Suzuka – best accessed by train – lies 65km south-west of Nagoya, and 120km east of Osaka. In 1962, Mr Soichiro Honda decided his car company needed its own test track, resulting in its now-iconic ‘crossover’ Suzuka track, which first hosted a Grand Prix in 1987. Among drivers, it stands as one of the ultimate driving challenges. On track Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel hailed the circuit as having been “designed by the gods” – and for good reason. With its bridge and underpass, Suzuka has a ‘figure-of-eight’ layout, the only circuit on the F1 calendar to do so, while its ferocious 130R is one of the toughest turns. It has also witnessed some of F1’s most memorable moments: this is where Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost collided in 1989. Added extras Situated behind the main grandstand, Suzuka's iconic Ferris Wheel – one of F1's most recognisable landmarks – gives fans a bird’s eye view of the circuit, and it’s free for ticket holders.
If you’re using Osaka as your base for the Japanese Grand Prix, be sure to sample okonomiyaki – a delicious savoury pancake that originated in the city – at Chibo, a restaurant that’s been serving the speciality to its customers since 1973. Wash it down with sake, before heading to a karaoke bar for a spot of singing.
5-7 April
JAPAN
The extension of the circuit contract until 2029 reinforces this one as a favourite with both drivers and fans. It’s one of the few circuits where the fans remain behind to watch pack up! This year it’s much earlier in the season, so it will be colder.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Round
4
BERNIE COLLINS,
Sky Sports F1 strategy analyst
Location The Chinese Grand Prix is back for the first time since the pandemic at the Shanghai International Circuit, north of Shanghai. The circuit has its own station on Line 11 of the Shanghai Metro, about an hour from Shanghai itself.
On track Opened in 2004 and designed by – who else – Hermann Tilke, the track is shaped like the Chinese character ‘shang’, meaning ‘above’ or ‘high’. Its defining features are the two snails – very tight corners – at the beginning and end of each lap.
Added extras Race-goers can sip in style at the open-air Flair Bar on the 58th floor of Shanghai’s Ritz-Carlton Pudong; its rooftop terrace serves up some of the most impressive vistas in the city and the gun-shaped Pearl Tower feels close enough to reach out and touch.
One of the best things to do in Shanghai is to stroll the Bund. The historic waterfront area, which sits on the west bank of the Huangpu River, has appeared in films such as Skyfall and Mission Impossible 3. You’ll pass beautiful Art Deco buildings, including the striking Peace Hotel that once hosted Charlie Chaplin.
19-21 April
China
The Shanghai International circuit is one of Herman Tilke’s better circuits. The scale of the facility is mind-blowing and you could land an aeroplane in the paddock, although I’ve not tried!
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Round
5
SIMON LAZENBY, Sky Sports F1 presenter
Location One of the newest events on the F1 calendar, this Floridian event takes place at the Miami International Autodrome, which wraps around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The best (and most affordable) way to get there is to take the Tri-Rail train to Golden Glades. From there, complimentary shuttles will whisk fans to the circuit.
On track Purpose-built for Formula 1, the 19-turn track takes in a beach, marina, palm trees, 11 grandstands and countless fan zones. The long drag down to Turn 17, the second fastest straight on the F1 calendar, is the best overtaking spot while the Hard Rock Stadium in the circuit’s centre is the place to watch the action. Added extras When the on-track action has finished for the day, fun-lovers tend to seek out the Broken Shaker – a popular poolside bar in the Freehand Hotel where there are twinkling lights, table tennis, exceptionally crafted cocktails, and an everyone-is-welcome atmosphere.
While in the Magic City, don’t miss Miami’s Art Deco district – a style of architecture that became popular in the 1920s. The Miami Design Preservation League, a non-profit organisation that’s devoted to protecting and promoting the city’s past, runs excellent two-hour walking tours.
3-5 May
Miami
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
You wouldn’t know that you’re in the parking lot of the Hard Rock Stadium when you turn up – such is the transformation that takes place for race week. Miami is a party town and an ideal choice for a race. The track is a bit of a way from the golden sands, azure waters and Art Deco hotels and bars of South Beach, but it’s possible to combine both and enjoy a week of Formula 1 fun.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Round
6
Location Situated in the Styrian Mountains, a short distance from the town of Spielberg, the Red Bull Ring is one of the most picturesque of grand prix circuits. Nearby attractions include the Unesco-listed Semmering Railway, which was completed in 1854.
On track At 4,318m, the Red Bull Ring is one of the season’s shorter layouts but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in high-speed straights, challenging corners, and numerous elevation changes. Fun fact: Niki Lauda is the only Austrian driver to have won his home race – a feat he achieved in 1984.
Added extras Visitors can lace up their hiking boots and hit one of the 1,600 trails in Styria or head to Graz where Mr Austria himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was born. The house where The Terminator grew up is now the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. Among the objects and photos on display are the Hollywood actor’s very first weights.
When you’ve finished following in the footsteps of the man nicknamed the Austrian Oak, head for dinner at Der Steirer, a trendy restaurant-cum-wine shop. Here you can tuck into Styrian-style tapas such as Ravioli with mushrooms. Need somewhere to sleep? Check into the century-old Hotel Weitzer, which is ideally placed for exploring Graz’s new creative quarter.
28-30 June
Austria
Location The first of two races in Italy this year, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will take place at the Imola circuit, around 40km east of Bologna and 100km north of Florence. The station in Imola is a 30-minute walk from the track. On track This magical three-mile circuit – one of the few to run in an anti-clockwise direction – is steeped in motorsport history. Triple world champion Ayrton Senna was tragically killed here after he lost control of his Williams at the notorious Tamburello corner. After his death, the Tamburello turn was changed into a chicane.
Added extras People can pay their respects to the Brazilian legend in Acque Minerali park where a bronze statue of Senna, sitting on the pit wall in his racing overalls, can be seen.
Basing yourself in Bologna? Fittingly nicknamed La Grassa (the fat), Bologna is Italy’s gastronomical capital: tortellini, tagliatelle, parmigiano, and mortadella all hail from here. Eat your way around Bologna at medieval Mercato di Mezzo – a buzzy, indoor market with a great selection of food and drink stalls.
17-19 May
Emilia
romagna
Location The jewel in F1’s crown, the Monaco Grand Prix is held on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. Fans staying in town can walk to and from their grandstand. Those who don’t boast the budget of an F1 driver tend to stay in nearby Nice – a 30-minute SNCF train ride away.
On track Monaco’s numerous elevation changes and tight corners make it one of the toughest tracks on the circuit. It’s also one of the most glamorous, being set against a backdrop of luxury yachts, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Disney-esque façade of the Palais du Prince. Added extras Monaco knows how to party, particularly during Grand Prix weekend. The hottest spot in the principality is arguably Amber Lounge – former Formula 1 world champion, Jenson Button, and ex-Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa, have both been spotted letting their hair down here.
If Lady Luck is on your side, head to the legendary Casino de Monte Carlo – the heart of Monaco. The casino’s gold-ceilinged Salle Europe is where all the action – think roulette, blackjack, and punto banco (baccarat) – takes place. Don’t forget to dress up: trainers and flip-flops are strictly forbidden, while suit jackets must be worn after 8pm.
24-26 May
Monaco
BERNIE COLLINS,
Sky Sports F1 strategy analyst
Imola is a circuit steeped in F1 history and you feel the weight of it while walking around the track. It returned to the calendar in 2020 and since then has had only one dry race so teams will be keen to gather data.
Canada
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
SIMON LAZENBY,
Sky Sports F1 presenter
Natalie Pinkham,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
Incomparable Monaco! Simply put there is nowhere else quite like it – steeped in history, intrigue and glamour. The tight twisty streets punish the smallest of mistakes, separating the good from the great. The two races every driver most wants to win are his home Grand Prix and Monaco.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Natalie Pinkham,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
Location The traditional curtain-raiser to F1’s European season, the Spanish Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit de Catalunya, 25km north of Barcelona. From the city centre, fans take a train to Montmelo station. On track The fast, sweeping 4,655m circuit has hosted some of F1’s most famous tussles, including the 1991 battle between Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna. In 2023, the track’s final chicane was removed – resulting in more exciting racing.
Added extras Those who fancy breaking bread with F1 greats head to El Trabuc, in the neighbouring town of Granollers. Danish racing driver Kevin Magnussen has been spotted tucking into Catalan specialties such as croquettes, coca bread, and chucho (fried pastry filled with cream).
For post-dinner drinks, head to Paradiso, a cocktail den hidden behind a Pastrami bar (where you can actually order a pastrami sandwich) in the El Born neighbourhood of Barcelona. The drink to try is the Tesla: a gin, rum, chamomile and lemon verbena concoction served in a double-bottomed glass.
21-23 June
Spain
This is a wonderful city and a circuit that the teams and drivers know like the back of their hands, given the amount of racing and testing they’ve carried out there over the years. Bruce Springsteen is playing in town this year. I’ve got my tickets and can’t wait!
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Location Since 1978, every Canadian Grand Prix has been held on Montreal’s man-made Île Notre-Dame island at the 4,361m Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve – named in honour of the legendary Canadian driver who won its inaugural race. To reach the track, punters take the subway to the Jean Drapeau metro station. On track Another fan favourite, arguably the greatest Grand Prix of all time took place here in 2011 when Jenson Button climbed from last to first in 30 enthralling laps to snatch victory from Sebastian Vettel. The most famous section is the ‘Wall of Champions’, a concrete barrier on the outside of turn 14 that has ended many drivers’ races. Added extras French-speaking Montréal comes alive on race weekend with open-air music festivals and F1-themed street parties. The biggest party takes place on Crescent Street where there are DJs, driver appearances and autograph sessions, plus performances from some of Canada’s top bands. Of course, you can’t visit Montreal without sampling a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli, which is part-owned by the queen of the power ballad, Celine Dion. Montreal is also famous for its bagels (they’re smaller and sweeter than New York’s). Two of the best places to try the Montreal bagel are St Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel.
7-9 June
Montreal is a great city that comes alive when the sun is shining on Grand Prix weekend. Go eat your bodyweight in Poutine (Cheesy chips and gravy) on St Laurent street or get up to Little Italy, you won’t regret it!
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Round
7
9
Round
Round
10
Nestled in the Styrian hills, this technical circuit is encased in a cloth of green. The fans come out in force (most of them cheering Max Verstappen). There is a strong camping contingent which makes for a fun and feisty atmosphere around the track.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Natalie Pinkham, Sky Sports F1 presenter
Round
8
Round
11
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Back to top
Location The rural Northamptonshire Silverstone track considers itself the home of F1, having hosted the first-ever round of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950. The circuit sits between the villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury.
On track Built on the site of a World War II Royal Air Force bomber station, Silverstone features sweeping corners, including Copse Corner – one of the fastest on the F1 grid and where home hero Lewis Hamilton collided with Max Verstappen in 2021. The track is always full to bursting with fans, ensuring a festival-like atmosphere.
Added extras Race-goers can visit the £20 million Silverstone Interactive Museum that tells the story of the past, present, and future of British motor racing and allows visitors to get up close to winning Formula 1 cars and try commentating on a race.
As well as some of the biggest names in Formula 1, the circuit also plays host to exciting musical acts: American rock band Kings of Leon – famous for songs such as Use Somebody and Sex on Fire – as well as Stormzy, Rudimental, and DJ Pete Tong have all been confirmed for 2024. So don’t rush off when the racing action has finished.
5-7 July
Britain
BERNIE COLLINS,
Sky Sports F1 strategy analyst
A home race for many drivers and teams brings a very different feel to the calendar. There are always thousands of fans queuing to enter each day and packed grandstands throughout the weekend. And it’s a proper high-speed track that can punish mistakes. It’s an old airfield that is fairly flat and very wind-affected where anything can happen, depending on the weather.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Back to top
Round
12
Location The first circuit to have staged a Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain in 1986, Hungaroring is set in a valley 20km north of Budapest. Complimentary shuttle buses to Hungaroring leave from Árpád Bridge in the capital.
On track Dubbed ‘Monaco without the walls’, Hungaroring requires plenty of downforce – just like the race around the principality. Approximately 80 per cent of the track is visible from the grandstands and this, combined with its convenient central European location, makes it a great venue for spectators to attend. Added extras Hungary in July is seriously hot but visitors can beat the heat at the Aquarena water park, which, conveniently, is right next to the race track. When night falls, they tend to make for one of Budapest’s ruin bars such as Szimpla Kert. Housed within the ‘ruins’ of abandoned buildings, these atmospheric drinking dens are one of the city’s top draws. For a further introduction to Hungarian life, take to the waters – locals love soaking in the city’s thermal baths, which have been prized since Roman times. The biggest and arguably the best is Szechenyi in Pest, with 18 indoor and outdoor pools to relax in. Elsewhere, the 16th-century Rudas baths come with a rooftop hot tub.
19-21 July
HungARy
SIMON LAZENBY,
Sky Sports F1 presenter
This is my favourite European weekend, bar none. Because the circuit is in a bowl you can get great views of large swathes of the track and the opening sector often sees some bold passing moves. Then you can go and marvel at Budapest’s exquisite Baroque buildings, the Danube and the majestic Cathedral and then go and discuss them in the ‘Ruin Bars’.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Back to top
Location Considered to be one of the best tracks on the calendar, the legendary Spa-Francorchamps is situated south of the village of Francorchamps in the heart of the Ardennes forest. Due to its remote location, most fans prefer to reach the circuit by car.
On track At 7,004m, the 19-turn Spa – as it is affectionately known – is the longest track on the calendar and contains the world's toughest corner in Eau Rouge. Named after a stream that runs under the circuit, Eau Rouge was famously described by Michael Schumacher as “flying downhill and seeing a big mountain in front of you”. Added extras Away from the tarmac, the nearby spa town of, erm, Spa – think of it as Belgium’s Bath – is the spot to soothe tired muscles. It was Russia’s Peter the Great who put the town on the map in 1717 when he visited to recover from liver disease and returned home healed.
Staying in Spa, ogle the gamblers in one of the oldest casinos in the world. Built in 1763, the Casino de Spa is open daily from 11am-sunrise. You’ll find all your favourite table and slot games in this pleasure palace. Don’t fancy running the risk of the roulette wheel? Hang out and watch: there’s no obligation to play.
26-28 July
Belgium
BERNIE COLLINS,
Sky Sports F1 strategy analyst
I love this one for the back-to-nature feel with the racing through the forest. The location means that different sectors can have different weather conditions and it can all change very quickly, keeping all the spectators on their toes.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Back to top
Round
14
Round
13
The Netherlands
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
Location After a 36-year hiatus, Formula 1 returned to the much-loved Zandvoort in 2021. A 20km journey north of Amsterdam and just a stone’s throw from the beach, the circuit is best accessed by bike or train – a car ban has been imposed on travelling F1 fans.
On track With a length of just 4,259m, Zandvoort is one of the shortest circuits in the sport. Surrounded by sand dunes, it’s known for its tight straights and rollercoaster-like corners. The most famous is Tarzan, whose wide bend affords drivers a rare overtaking opportunity.
Added extras Race-goers tend to relax on Zandvoort aan Zee’s golden sand beach or enjoy a can of Heineken – the beer brand was founded in Amsterdam in 1864 – at a trendy beach club. Standouts include Far Out, Bernie’s Beach Club, and Club Nautique.
Amsterdam is also home to 165 canals – that’s more than Venice. And getting lost along these Golden Age waterways is the best way to discover the Dutch capital – expect to pass 17th-century canal houses and historic gables. The lion’s share of canal tours leave from the docks in front of Central Station.
23-25 August
The atmosphere around the track is electric, the party starts early and finishes late at a track that’s a proper test for the drivers and their machines. A welcome return to the F1 calendar. Race-goers just need to make sure they wear ‘Orange’.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
15
Round
Back to top
Location The spiritual home of Ferrari, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is a short train ride northeast of Milan, meaning it’s perfectly possible to combine the Grand Prix with a city break in Italy’s fashion capital. On track One of F1’s hallowed temples – Monza circuit has held more Grands Prix than any other venue – the circuit is all about speed. Cars can reach speeds of well over 380km/h while the world-famous Parabolica corner to end the track is the ultimate challenge. Add in Ferrari's fervent fanbase, the Tifosi, and Monza is unmissable. Added extras For those who have watched Michael Mann’s biopic of Enzo Ferrari (and even if they haven’t), a trip to Modena, less than two hours south of Milan, is worthwhile to admire some of the most beautiful cars ever built at the Enzo Ferrari Museum. It is housed in what was Ferrari’s childhood home. Osteria di Modena Rossi is where Mann threw his wrap party.
Ten miles away in Maranello, you’ll find the Ferrari factory and museum. Downstairs is dedicated to Formula 1, while upstairs the focus is on Ferrari cars including the rare Ferrari Enzo, named after the brand's founder and of which just 400 were made. A shuttle bus runs between the Modena and Maranello museums.
30 August - 1 September
Italy
The Temple of Speed – the fastest track on the calendar, which boasts some of the most iconic corners in F1: Ascari, Parabolica, the Lesmos. The Tifosi, the Italian super fans, bring a level of passion and intensity that is arguably unmatched anywhere in the world.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Natalie Pinkham,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
Round
16
Back to top
Round
17
Location The second of three races in the US on the 2024 schedule, the United States Grand Prix will return to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in the hills just southeast of Austin, Texas. Presiding over the action is Austin’s iconic 251ft COTA Tower.
On trACK The 5,514m circuit takes inspiration from other tracks – notably Silverstone (turns 16-18), Hockenheim (turns 12-18), and Istanbul Park (turns 16-18) – but adds its own unique features, such as a steep climb from the start line into the hairpin turn 1.
Added extras The Continental Club is one of Austin’s most famous spots. Known as ‘the granddaddy of Austin music clubs’, this South Congress Avenue venue – look for the neon sign flashing above the entrance – has live music every night of the week. Robert Plant, Wanda Jackson, and The Replacements have all played the 200-capacity room. Or join the crowds on Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch the world’s largest urban bat colony – not for nothing is Austin nicknamed Bat City – emerge from under the bridge at Lady Bird Lake in search of their evening meal. The spectacle, which takes place from May to October, lasts around 45 minutes.
18-20 October
UNITED
STATES
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
What is there not to love about Austin? The ‘Live’ music capital of the USA where brilliant bands that you’ve never heard before burst forth from the bars and clubs. It’s a week of celebration with the Grand Prix the focal point of the festivities. And the track is just brilliant too!
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Round
19
Back to top
Location Designed by Hermann Tilke, the Baku City Circuit is a temporary course around the streets of Azerbaijan's capital, which held its first Formula 1 race in 2016. Due to the circuit’s enviable city centre location, people can travel to the grandstands on foot.
On track Baku may be one of the newest street circuits but it’s witnessed its fair share of drama – Daniel Ricciardo claimed a shock win for Red Bull after title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel clashed in 2017. Baku’s standout feature is the narrow section of its track which winds past the walls of the Old City, a World Heritage Site.
Added extras Set on the 24th floor of the Hilton Baku, the rooftop revolving bar has unrivalled views of the ‘City of Winds’, including the Flame Towers – famous following their appearance in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest – which one can enjoy while sipping an expertly crafted cocktail. Ever wondered what it’s like to bathe in a tub of crude oil? The Azerbaijanis have been doing so since the sixth century BC and are of the belief that it eases more than 70 skin, joint and bone diseases. Experience it for yourself at the Naftalan Resort in the town of Naftalan, 320km west of Baku.
13-15 September
Azerbaijan
When I first went to Baku I had no idea it would be so stunning: situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea with the track winding its way through the old town that is also a World Heritage Site. It’s one of the fastest street circuits and in my opinion the best. If you’ve not been, be adventurous and go.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
SIMON LAZENBY, Sky Sports F1 presenter
Back to top
Location Formula 1’s original night race takes place over 62 laps of the 4,940m Marina Bay Circuit. The track passes several local landmarks including the Singapore Flyer, the iconic Fullerton Hotel, and the Esplanade – an opera house that was designed to look like the local durian fruit.
On track This evening race is easily the most demanding event on the calendar owing to its narrow nature and tight corners that leave little room for error – and Singapore’s steamy tropical climate. As Carlos Sainz put it: “If you survive Singapore, you’re fit for anything else in Formula 1.” The Connaught grandstand, at turn 14, is a great spot for watching overtakes. Added extras No visit to the Lion State is complete without sinking a Singapore Sling (a winning combination of gin, cherry brandy, Cointreau, pineapple, and lime juice) at the fabled Raffles’ Long Bar – named after its 40-foot-long bar.
Another idea is to go on a Night Safari. The world's first nocturnal zoo is home to more than 130 species – including Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, fishing cats, clouded leopards, Malayan tapirs and Asian lions – spread across 35 hectares of humid tropical forest. Explore by tram or on foot via walking trails.
20-22 September
SINGAPORE
The original night race – the stunning backdrop to Marina Bay Circuit twinkling as dusk falls – is a sight to behold. It’s the most challenging of circuits both mentally and physically, as the levels of concentration in intensely high temperatures are extraordinary.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Round
18
Back to top
Location Named after Mexico’s famous racing brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is set in the heart of Mexico City. The track is close to Velódromo, Cuidad Deportiva, and Puebla subway stations.
On track The Mexico City Grand Prix is quite literally the high point of the F1 season: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez sits 2.2km above sea level – and the thin air can create difficulties for both the drivers and their cars. The circuit’s standout feature is the final sector, which passes through the Foro Sol baseball stadium – and its passionate fans. Added extras The Mexico City Grand Prix falls a few days before the colourful Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival, which celebrates the cycle of life and death, on 1-2 November. Those who stay on for the popular parade can enjoy floats, giant skeleton marionettes, actors, dancers and acrobats.
And don’t miss Plaza Garibaldi in the evening where you can listen to the city’s mariachi bands sing their songs over a tequila, mezcal or pulque. You can hire a mariachi for one song (expect to pay around $100-120 pesos) or a whole night. Another quintessentially Mexican experience is to watch a wrestling match – the national pastime – at Arena Mexico.
25-27 October
MEXICO CITY
Round
20
Back to top
SAo Paulo
SIMON LAZENBY,
Sky Sports F1 presenter
Location Set in the suburbs of São Paulo, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace – named in honour of Brazilian driver Carlos Pace, but more commonly referred to as Interlagos – is one of the longest-serving venues on the F1 calendar. There’s not a great deal to do in Interlagos (meaning ‘between lakes’) itself, so most fans choose to stay in São Paulo proper. On track The anti-clockwise 4,309m Interlagos circuit has seen its fair share of drama over the years – none more so than in 2008 when Felipe Massa won in front of his home crowd but Lewis Hamilton was crowned world champion following a dramatic final lap. The first two corners – named the ‘Senna S’ after the Brazilian great – provide the best overtaking opportunities.
Added extras Part of the giant ship-shaped Hotel Unique, Skye Bar – as its name suggests – offers some of the best views of São Paulo’s skyline. It’s a popular spot so get there early to enjoy a refreshing Caipirinha, nibbles by chef Emmanuel Bassoleil – and the bar’s blood-red pool. São Paulo is famous for its 160km of traffic jams but on Sundays, bustling Paulista Avenue is closed to cars, taken over by pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, and street artists – and transformed into a festival of food and live music.
1-3 November
If you want to feel the spirit of Ayrton Senna, I urge you to make the trip here. It is my favourite track on the calendar and often produces some of the best racing. The Brazilian fans are what make the weekend so special.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
21
Round
Back to top
BERNIE COLLINS,
Sky Sports F1 strategy analyst
You can notice the effect of the altitude even in the shortest walk or set of steps. The race generally brings a festival atmosphere and the final stadium section stands out amongst other grandstands with the fans making themselves heard along the pit wall.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
Location The first grand prix in Las Vegas for more than 40 years took place in November 2023 at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. There’s nothing misleading about the name of F1's newest Grand Prix – it does indeed run on Vegas’s glittering strip, passing its dancing fountains, colossal casinos and elaborately themed hotels.
On track The circuit features 17 corners, 50 laps, and runs to 6,120m, making it F1’s third longest circuit after Spa and Jeddah. In a nod to its surroundings, the track’s curbs are casino-themed: hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades have been spray-painted on. The long straight between 13 and 14 – where drivers gain acceleration and battle for position – is the circuit’s standout feature.
Added extras Ticket and hotel prices for F1’s £500 million race track in Las Vegas are eye-wateringly expensive, but some things along the Strip are free – most famously the dancing fountain show outside the Bellagio that's featured in countless Hollywood movies including Ocean's 11. The complimentary performance takes place every 15 minutes and is best seen at night.
The Bellagio isn’t the only Vegas hotel you need to see. Don’t miss the Venetian Las Vegas, whose set of canals complete with gondolas are a love letter to Venice, and the Luxor – with its pyramid and Sphinx. Then there’s the Roman-themed Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas, which offers a taste of the French capital on the Strip.
21-23 November
LAS VEGAS
New to the calendar in 2023 and the race itself certainly did not disappoint, with close racing along the bright lights of the strip and lots of overtaking. Cold temperatures pushed both drivers and teams to the limits of performance. The event will continue to grow in popularity so expect even better this year.
Round
22
BERNIE COLLINS,
Sky Sports F1 strategy analyst
Back to top
Location The third of four races in the Middle East for 2024, the Qatar Grand Prix is held at the Lusail International Circuit, 30km north of Doha, the country’s capital.
On track A fast, flowing 16-turn track featuring several high-speed corners, the Lusail International Circuit was designed primarily for motorcycle racing and opened in 2004 for MotoGP. Turn 1 is the best overtaking spot while the triple right-hand turns of corners 12-14 will be challenging on tyres.
Added extras Away from Formula 1, camel racing – the animals are ridden by robotic jockeys dressed up in classic racing silks – is one of the most popular sports in Qatar. You can catch the ‘sport of the sheikhs’ at the oval-shaped Al Shahaniya racetrack during the racing season, which runs from November to April.
On Fridays, follow in the footsteps of Qatar’s expats and book yourself in for brunch. Expect to consume mountains of food and guzzle gallons of champagne (included in the price) in celebration of the start of the Middle Eastern weekend. Virtually every hotel in town offers an extravagant brunch but we can vouch for the Four Seasons Hotel Doha.
29 November - 1 December
QATAR
Back to top
A combination of short sprints between pit stops and oppressively hot and humid conditions made this the toughest race of 2023. The circuit is perhaps more suited for motorbikes, but it’s given us plenty of action in its two years and with a long-term contract to host the sport, let’s hope that trend continues.
Sky Sports Pundit’s view
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
Round
23
Location Abu Dhabi's space-age Yas Marina Circuit is set to host 2024's curtain-closing 24th race. The circuit sits on the man-made Yas Island, 20km east of Abu Dhabi. The 190 bus route will take you from the city’s bus station to Yas Island in around 40 minutes.
On track Another Hermann Tilke-designed track, the 5.5km Yas Marina Circuit comprises 21 corners. The track has two defining features: it passes under the five-star Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel – the first ever built over an F1 circuit – while the exit of the pit lane crosses underneath.
Added extras There’s more to Yas Island than merely the Yas Marina circuit. This giant playground took 11 years to complete and is home to several thrilling theme parks including Ferrari World – which features the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa – and a super-sized waterpark.
If you do manage to drag yourself away from Yas Island, one must-visit is the imposing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Named after the founding father of the UAE, the mosque is topped with 82 marble domes – while the inside features 24-carat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.
6-8 December
ABU DHABI
Back to top
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
Abu Dhabi has changed so much since F1 first visited. Yas Island is now a top tourist destination with all its theme parks and attractions. Nearby Saadiyat Island is a perfect place to unwind after the season ends and watch dolphins from the beach.
Pundit’s view
Round
24
Produced by Telegraph Media Group
Project manager: Fanni Szentivanyi | Editor: Jim Bruce-Ball | Writer: Kaye Holland | Sub-editor: Tim Cumming
Designer: Jonathan Clayton-Jones | Web editor: James Nash | Images: Getty, Alamy, Shutterstock
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Pundit’s view
Select Round
1 Bahrain
2 Saudi Arabia
4 JAPAN
11Austria
3 AUSTRALIA
24 Abu Dhabi
10 Spain
14 Belgium
7 Emilia Romagna
13 Hungary
9 CANADA
16 ITALY
6 MIAMI
19 UNITED STATES
20 Mexico city
22 LAS VEGAS
23 Qatar
The F1 FORMULA 1 logo, F1 logo, F1, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.
17 Azerbaijan
18 Singapore
12 BRITAIN
12 BRITAIN
16 ITALY
11Austria
4 JAPAN
13 Hungary
17 Azerbaijan
1 Bahrain
23 Qatar
24 Abu Dhabi
18 Singapore
22 LAS VEGAS
19 UNITED STATES
9 CANADA
20 Mexico city
6 MIAMI
21 BRAZIL
21 Brazil
10 Spain
14 BELGIUM
7 Emilia Romagna
2 Saudi Arabia
3 AUSTRALIA
Watch all
24 races live on
starting in Bahrain from
29th February
Watch all
24 races live on
starting in Bahrain from
29th February
Sunset falls on Bahrain’s International Circuit
The spectacular Jeddah Corniche circuit
Albert Park and Melbourne’s city skyline
Max Verstappen wins in Suzaka last year
Shanghai’s historic waterfront area
The palm trees tell you you have arrived in Miami
The Duomo di Firenze, Florence’s famous cathedral
Luxury yachts in Monaco
The brilliant Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia
Explore Hungary’s capital and the beautiful Danube
Action from Silverstone last year
Fans out in force at the Red Bull Ring
Passionate fans turn out in Spa-Francorchamps
Make sure you wear orange when you visit Zandvoort
The Duomo di Milano is a stunning city sight
Cars twist through Baku Old Town
The sensational Singapore Marina Bay
There is a lot of fun to be had in Austin
The Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City
Brazil’s capital hosts round 21
The Sphere overlooks the Vegas circuit
You can’t miss the Fairmont in Doha
Night racing in Abu Dhabi
15 Netherlands
14 BeLgium
19 united states
5 CHINA
5 CHINA
5 CHINA
15 NETHERLANDS
15 Netherlands
8 MONACO
8 MONACO
David Croft,
Sky Sports F1 commentator
You wouldn’t know that you’re in the parking lot of the Hard Rock Stadium when you turn up – such is the transformation that takes place for race week. Miami is a party town and an ideal choice for a race. The track is a bit of a way from the golden sands, azure waters and Art Deco hotels and bars of South Beach, but it’s possible to combine both and enjoy a week of Formula 1 fun.
Pundit’s view
®