Formula 1 start time – all you need to know
If you love F1 but keep missing the first lap, you’re not alone. The biggest problem is the race start time – it shifts with every venue and time zone. Below you’ll get a quick guide to the usual start slots, tools to convert them, and tips to make sure you’re watching the lights go out live.
Understanding F1 race start times
Most Formula 1 weekends run on a three‑day schedule: practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday. The race itself almost always starts between 2 pm and 4 pm local time. That window lets the organizers hit prime‑time TV slots in Europe, while still being reasonable for fans in Asia and the Americas.
Because each Grand Prix sits in a different time zone, the global start time changes a lot. For example, the Monaco Grand Prix starts at 3 pm CET, which is 9 am on the US West Coast and 12 pm on the East Coast. In contrast, the Singapore night race kicks off at 9 pm SGT – that’s 3 pm on the US East Coast and 12 pm on the West.
To avoid confusion, many fans rely on the official F1 app or a simple Google search for the phrase “Formula 1 start time city”. The app gives you the exact local time, plus an automatic conversion to your home zone.
How to never miss a live start
Here are three easy steps to guarantee you catch every start:
- Set a calendar reminder. Enter the race date, then add the start time in your own time zone. Most calendar apps let you add a link – paste the official F1 live stream URL or your broadcaster’s page.
- Use a time‑zone converter. Websites like timeanddate.com let you paste the local start time and instantly see it in multiple zones. Bookmark the page so you can update it for each race quickly.
- Enable notifications. The F1 app pushes a reminder 30 minutes before the lights go out. Turn on push alerts on your phone, and you’ll get a gentle nudge right when it matters.
If you’re watching on TV, check your local broadcaster’s schedule. In the UK, the BBC typically airs the race at 2 pm GMT, while in the US, ESPN usually shows it at 10 am ET for European races or 9 pm ET for night events.
For streaming fans, services like F1 TV Pro let you change the language and the streaming quality on the fly. They also show a countdown timer that updates as soon as the start time changes due to weather delays.
Finally, remember that start times can shift because of weather or logistical issues. The best practice is to check the official F1 website a few hours before the race – they post any changes right at the top of the page.
With these simple tools and habits, you’ll never have to guess when the next race begins. Grab your snacks, set the alarm, and enjoy the roar of the engines right from the first lap.
