Report: F1 makes changes to Bahrain Grand Prix schedule with no activities on Thursday

Earlier in 2021, F1 drafted a rather chaotic 23-race schedule featuring several double- and triple-header weekends. However, the pandemic managed to minimize the burden on drivers and teams as F1 returned to a record 22-race schedule instead, but it was still quite hectic.

Therefore, heading into the 2022 season, the sport was always going to undergo some changes, given that it would once again be a season with 23 racing events. Well, the confirmation has arrived. Race weekends will no longer take place over a 4-day period and will instead be a short day.

How it’s been over the years in F1

In January 2022, F1 held internal discussions about overhauling the organization of events over a race weekend. Until 2021, the race events take place over a period of four days. Track rides followed by the press conference on Thursday. Then, on Friday, the first and second free practice sessions will take place with a 2h30 break between the two sessions.

Following the end of FP2, the drivers will take part in post-test maintenance in the paddock. Then, on Saturday, a similar pattern to Friday follows. FP3 followed by the qualification session and the post-qualification interview.

And finally, on Sunday, the main race will be followed by the post-race press conference and interviews in the paddock before the teams and drivers pack up and head to the next event destination. .

Watch the story: From Lewis Hamilton to the Miz: When F1 and WWE crossed paths

Changes to Race Weekends in 2022

According to the F1 journalist Albert Fabrega, no activities will take place on Thursday. Instead, the press conference will take place on Friday at 11:30 a.m. local time in Bahrain. Meanwhile, FP1 and FP2 will take place later today; the first session is scheduled at 3:00 p.m. while the second session is at 6:00 p.m.

On Saturday, the team leaders’ press conference will take place at 2:10 p.m. The final practice session will take place at 3:00 p.m., while the qualifying session will take place later at 6:00 p.m. Finally, Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix will start at 6:00 p.m.

All in all, it seems like a much-needed move on the part of F1, given the substantial increase in the physical and mental demands on drivers in recent years. So will these changes reduce the pressure that seems to be on drivers and teams?

DIVE DEEPER