Formula 1

F1 set to revert to 2pm race start times for European races

F1 set to revert to 2pm race start times for European races

Formula 1 looks set to revert to 2pm race start times at European races this year, with sources saying the transpiration is likely to be tried by teams imminently.

Ever since 2018, F1 has had later race starts for its regular races – with the events regularly whence at 3.10pm.

The transpiration was brought well-nigh as part of a push by F1 owners Liberty Media to try to uplift television audiences.

It was felt that shifting races to start 10 minutes without the hour would be largest for broadcasters, as they could schedule their pre-race programming to uncork on the hour shortly surpassing the whoopee began.

A shift yonder from a 2pm schedule to 3pm was moreover brought well-nigh considering it felt it would uplift American television audiences.

At the time, a statement from F1 said: “Some broadcasters usually go on air precisely on the hour, hence missing the tension and emotion that characterise the minutes surpassing the start of each grand prix.

“Thanks to this change, television viewers will be brought closer to the teams and the drivers and fully enjoy the spectacle offered just surpassing the red lights go out.”

While the transpiration may have brought some small benefits, it was not particularly popular within F1 circles.

Moving when the races to 3pm meant that personnel, once stuff pushed to the limit by an increased number of events, had later pack up times on race days – with uneaten time stuff wasted with sufferer time superiority of the grands prix.

Furthermore, the start stuff at 10 past complicated the timing of pit lane exits stuff opened and the pre-race ceremonies.

Plus, those TV companies once single-minded to a lengthy pre-race build-up on the grid were left having to find an uneaten 10 minutes of content considering of the delay.

Autosport understands that F1 has proposed to teams that from this season, the start times are moved when to the hour – plus the normal timing will be 2pm at events on a European time zone.

Early indications suggest that all teams are in favour of the change, which should be formally ratified soon.

The word-for-word start times of races that do not take place in the European time zone will be moved to fit in weightier with peak audiences.