Everything you need to know about the 2024 F1 season: Driver line-up and calendar

The 2023 Formula 1 season has come to its conclusion in Abu Dhabi, with many eyes now turning to the start of 2024. The year was dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull, with a few teams such as McLaren and Ferrari starting to improve their car towards the end of the year.

Alfa Romeo is set for a name change in 2024 after its current title sponsorship will come to an end. The team is expected to change its name to the Sauber brand for 2024, before its transformation into the Audi works team in 2026.

Red Bull’s junior team AlphaTauri will also face a name change in 2024, with the team wanting to return to a non-branded name like its previous Toro Rosso guise. Although the rebrand is yet to be announced there are rumours the team could be called Racing Bulls.

Although there are not many massive changes heading into 2024, a new record-breaking 24-race calendar will make this the biggest year ever for the championship.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 F1 season:

2024 F1 driver line-up

There were no changes from the 2023 F1 grid as the new season began, but there have been big changes at some of the teams, with Franz Tost standing down as AlphaTauri team principal and Bradley Scanes standing down as Verstappen’s personal trainer.  

Williams confirmed that rookie driver Logan Sargeant will remain with the team for at least one more season. Logan Sargeant said: "I am thrilled to be continuing with Williams Racing for the 2024 season. It has been an incredible journey with the team so far, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing as a driver within such a talented and dedicated group. We have exciting plans for the future, and I can't wait to contribute to the team's success in the coming year." 

Daniel Ricciardo has also secured his place at AlphaTauri after the team axed Nyck De Vries midway through 2023. Speculation that Sergio Perez could also lose his place at Red Bull following a difficult mid-season has been dismissed, which includes rumours that Ricciardo could be moved into the team next year.  

Although the grid is not changing from the latter half of the previous season, 2024 could prove more interesting with 13 out of 20 seats up for contention at the end of the year.  

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB19, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-23, Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-23, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB19, the rest of the field at the start

2024 F1 calendar

What is the F1 sprint race schedule for 2024?

There is a new format for the sprint race weekends for F1 in 2024. Sprint qualifying will now take place on the first day of a grand prix weekend, with the sprint race and regular qualifying now happening on day two. Here’s the full schedule for the F1 sprint weekends in 2024:

Photo by: Mercedes AMG

Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Mick Schumacher, Mercedes Reserve Driver, Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 Team Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes W14

2024 F1 regulation changes 

 The FIA has made some changes to regulations around the testing of old cars, stipulating that any components run must have been previously used at a race weekend. Article 10.2 C) of the Sporting Regulations has been revised to state: "Cars must only use components and software of a specification that have been used in at least one (1) Competition or TCC (testing of a current car) of a Championship season." 

 The regulation change will ensure that teams cannot run any brand-new components on an old car to try and gain any date outside of testing restrictions. 

Who are the 2024 F1 reserve drivers

The F1 teams have begun to announce their 2024 reserve drivers for the upcoming season. Some of the teams have retained their 2023 reserve drivers including Red Bull rookie Liam Lawson and Mercedes’ Mick Schumacher. 

 However some teams have decided to bring in brand new drivers, including McLaren who have announced two new drivers to their line-up. The team has announced they will sign this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa and IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward as their reserve drivers for the next season. 

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing, 3rd position, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 1st position, Lando Norris, McLaren, 2nd position, with their Sprint race trophies

Are changes being made to the Formula 1 sprint races?

Formula 1 is in talks to change the Sprint race format for 2024, which has gained support from teams and bosses. Changes have not yet been agreed, with further discussions being held in January with the FIA, this could involve a complete revamp of the weekend timetable or a reverse grid format.

The six sprint weekends in 2023 had already faced some changes, including the race having a separate qualifying session, which no longer determined the grid for Sunday’s main grand prix. But the separation of the race and qualifying moving to a Friday, teams were placed under parc ferme rules from Friday’s FP1 onwards.

Talks have begun between F1 and the teams to decide on a format overhaul for 2024, with one proposal suggesting qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix to return to Saturday afternoon and the Sprint race in the morning.

The Sprint Shootout, which sets the grid for the Sprint race would then be moved to Friday following FP1. This change could allow parc ferme conditions to be re-opened after the Sprint race, allowing teams to make any needed changes ahead of qualifying.

When were the 2024 F1 car launched?

Here is when the F1 cars were launched ahead of the 2024 season: