2024 F1 pre-season testing: everything you need to know
08 January 2024F1 returns in 2024 with the all-important matter of pre-season testing. This time of year signals a flurry of activity for F1 teams around the world, as they get back up to speed after the briefest hiatus over the winter break and begin preparations for car launches and the first timed running of the season at Bahrain.
READ MORE: 2024 F1 car launches
What is pre-season testing?In the early months of each year, F1 teams hit the track to put the latest iteration of their cars through their paces. Unlimited testing was banned in 2009 to stop the wealthier teams from setting laps without end at private circuits (Schumacher famously took a helicopter back from Monaco and Monza to test at Fiorano in between sessions), all in an attempt to cut costs in the sport and close the gap to the top teams… sound familiar? In modern-day F1, there are just three days of pre-season testing, so every moment on track is crucial.
Who will be driving in the F1 pre-season test? Barring any extenuating circumstances such as Lance Stroll’s cycling incident in 2023, the drivers who will line up on the grid for the start of the 2024 F1 season will be behind the wheel during testing with track time split between the two team mates.
READ MORE: 2024 F1 drivers and team line-ups
Where is F1 pre-season testing taking place? The pre-season F1 tests used to be held at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, but 2024 will be much the same as last year with Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir hosting the sessions. This change brings the beginning of the season in line with F1’s recent regionalisation efforts.
When does F1 pre-season testing get underway? Taking place over three days between Wednesday 21 and Friday 23 February, the official session times for the 2024 test are still to be confirmed. Should the runtimes be consistent with previous years, the session could start at 10:00 and finish at 19:00 local time (07:00-16:00 GMT).
How can I watch F1 pre-season testing?Every session throughout the F1 season is available live via Sky Sports F1 and that is no different during the pre-season test. Customers can stream the sessions on the go through Sky Go while the Sky coverage is also available through Now TV for one-off or monthly fees.
