F1 News: Bahrain Grand Prix Could Witness Permanent Shift After Recent Success

In a significant development for Formula 1, Sheikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifa, the CEO of the Bahrain Grand Prix, has indicated a possible permanent shift of the race to Saturdays. This suggestion comes after the event’s recent success, aligning with the Middle East weekend.

Key Takeaways:

• Saturday Racing Potential: Bahrain Grand Prix CEO, Sheikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifa, proposes a permanent shift to Saturday races, influenced by the success experienced when coinciding with a Middle East weekend.
• Adjustment for Ramadan: F1’s calendar was altered due to Ramadan, leading the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to occur from Thursday to Saturday. Consequently, Bahrain’s race was moved a day earlier, facilitating smoother logistics.
• Benefits and Decision Making: The Friday-Saturday schedule showed early ticket sales and increased international attendance. However, the CEO emphasized the necessity of a collective decision with Formula 1, taking into account global impacts and guest preferences.

The 2023 Formula 1 season saw a unique alteration in its schedule due to the commencement of Ramadan on March 10. This adjustment necessitated the rescheduling of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to a Thursday-Saturday format this week. In tandem, the Bahrain Grand Prix also experienced a shift, moving a day earlier than its traditional Sunday slot. This change aimed to ensure a seamless transition between the two races, avoiding logistical complications.

For the first time, Bahrain hosted both its qualifying session and the Grand Prix on a Friday and Saturday, respectively. This scheduling shift, aligning with a Middle East weekend, led to an earlier than usual sellout of tickets. Sheikh Salman bin Isa al-Khalifa shared his observations with RacingNews365.com, highlighting the economic benefits this change brought to Bahrain. He noted, “From ticket sales, yes, we did sell out earlier than usual, and that’s a good sign. International sales were also higher. I think we reached about 11,000 people flying in.”

However, Isa al-Khalifa acknowledged the broader implications of such a scheduling change. He stated, “It’s not our decision. It’s a collective decision. We’ll see the numbers and maybe decide.” This remark underscores the necessity of considering global impacts and the preferences of international guests in such decisions.

The potential global effects of this shift remain a topic for debate. Isa al-Khalifa added, “We were sold out, and we’re in a global sport, so we need to see the timezone and see what works. Selfishly, I would say, it makes better sense for the people in Bahrain to be on the weekend. Internationally, I don’t know the answer. But we’ll ask, and we’ll see with the guests, and if they prefer that, and it fits in, then we’ll have that discussion [with F1].”

As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the consideration of regional preferences balanced with global appeal remains a key factor in its scheduling decisions. The Bahrain Grand Prix’s potential shift to a Saturday event may set a precedent for future races, underscoring the dynamic and adaptable nature of this international sport.