Only 5 weeks left until the start of the new Formula 1 season! The teams have been announced, the schedule has been released. And while the schedule largely resembles that of 2024, there are some important changes that you, as an F1 fan, really need to know. So grab your calendar and jot down these dates, because these are the 5 biggest changes in the F1 schedule for 2025!
1. New: Joint car presentation as a spectacular kick-off
For the first time in history, all teams will present their new cars on the same day. This will take place during a major event at the O2 Arena in London, on February 18, 2025. The event will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Combined, this will be the official kick-off of the F1 season. No more separate unveilings spread over weeks, but one big show where all liveries and technical details are presented.
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February 18, 2025 – Official F1 car presentation (O2 Arena, London)
2. Australia: Back to being the opening weekend
After five years, the Formula 1 season will once again open in Melbourne, after last year’s season opener was in Bahrain. The Australian GP took place during the third race weekend in 2024, from March 22 to 24. This means that the race falls in the same month, but on a different date and with a different role in the schedule. With the season start at the fast and challenging Albert Park Circuit, teams must perform immediately on a semi-street circuit.
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March 14-16, 2025 – Australian GP (season opener)
3. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia: From March to April
The Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will take place later in 2025: Bahrain on April 4-6 and Saudi Arabia on April 11-13. Last year, these races were already held in early March (Bahrain: March 2, 2024, Saudi Arabia: March 9, 2024). The shift takes into account Ramadan, which falls in March. This makes a big difference for local fans and staff, but it’s also good for international visitors to know that these races are now later on the schedule.
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April 4-6, 2025 – Bahrain GP
April 11-13, 2025 – Saudi Arabia GP
4. New Sprint Race at Spa, Austria Disappears
Despite the controversy over reducing the number of sprint races, there will still be six in 2025. The format remains popular, but there are changes in the calendar: the Red Bull Ring (Austria) loses its sprint race, while Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) gets one for the first time. This means extra action on one of the most iconic circuits, where unpredictable weather can provide a spectacle.
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March 21-23 – China GP
May 2-4 – Miami GP
July 25-27 – Belgium GP (New!)
October 17-19 – United States GP (Austin)
November 7-9 – Brazil GP
November 28-30 – Qatar GP
5. Las Vegas: An Earlier Start Time After All
After much criticism of the extremely late start times in 2023 and 2024, the Las Vegas GP this year will start two hours earlier. In previous editions, the race didn’t start until 10:00 PM local time, leading to cold conditions and grip problems on the track. In 2025, the start time has been moved to 8:00 PM local time. The difference may be small, but it’s important to know: you don’t want to tune in late!
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November 20-22, 2025 – Las Vegas GP (start time: 8:00 PM local time, previously 10:00 PM)
Conclusion: What Do Fans Need to Know?
Although the 24 races will be held on the same circuits as in 2024, there are significant changes in the calendar. The season opener is back in Australia, there are sprint races at different locations, and some races have shifted in date or time. The way the season begins is also new: for the first time, all teams will present their cars at a single joint event in London, where the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 will also be celebrated.
