Formula 1 confirms on the hour start times for 2021 races

Formula 1 has confirmed that races this season will revert to on the hour start times, with all European events starting at 15:00 local time.

This year's F1 calendar includes a record 23 races, with the 2021 campaign kicking off in Bahrain on March 28 and concluding in Abu Dhabi on December 12.

Since 2018, lights out has occurred at 10 past the hour, a change made at the time to accommodate broadcasters - mainly in North America - and to attract more viewers.

But with little indication that the skewed change had any real impact on viewership, all Grands Prix with start once again on the hour this season, while the 2021 agenda will also include four night races: Bahrain, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

Saudi Arabia's street race in Jeddah - a new addition to the calendar - will kick off at 19:00 local time.

Another significant change this year regarding F1's timetable will be the reduction of Friday's two practice sessions from 90 minutes to 60 minutes each, with the respective sessions beginning at 11:30 and 15:00 local time for most events.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.