Our first glimpse into the 2023 Formula 1 calendar has revealed that there would be 24 races for the season. This is the first time in the history of the sport that we would be witnessing that many races in a single year. Making its debut in 2023 is the Las Vegas Grand Prix, while the races in Qatar and China would be making a comeback. The calendar, which was approved by the FIA, was revealed to the public by Formula 1 on Tuesday.

As usual, the season would begin in Bahrain in the month of March, although much earlier than usual, as the race would happen on the first weekend of the month. It is also in Bahrain where the preseason testing would take place.

China, which has not featured on the calendar since the start of the pandemic, would be next year’s calendar, slated for April 16. Also making a comeback is the race in Qatar which made its debut last year but was not featured in this year’s calendar.

A race that would be happening for the first time next year is the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This is the second race that would take place in the United States after the Miami Grand Prix. The Las Vegas GP would come up just before the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, which would hold on November 6.

There were thoughts that South Africa would be added to the calendar, but, according to reports, a deal could not be reached in time for the race to be added to the list. Still, there are hopes that the race would be added in the 2024 GP.

Announcing the new calendar, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are excited to announce the 2023 calendar with 24 races around the world. Formula 1 has unprecedented demand to host races, and it is important we get the balance right for the entire sport.

“We are very pleased with the strong momentum Formula 1 continues to experience, and it is great news that we will be able to bring our passionate fans a mix of exciting new locations such as Las Vegas to the Championship with much-loved venues across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said that the presence of 24 races on the calendar was “further evidence of the growth and appeal of the sport on a global scale.”

Leon Osamor