FIA reveals 2025 F1 start times as Vegas gets prime-time upgrade

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The FIA has officially unveiled the start times for all 24 rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, confirming a notable adjustment for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

While most race times adhere to the sport’s traditional afternoon slots, F1’s event in Sin City is shifting its start time.

After two years of ultra-late racing under the neon glow of the Strip, this year’s race will see lights out at 20:00 local time – two hours earlier than before.

A More Fan-Friendly Vegas Experience

Las Vegas, which remains the only race on the calendar held on a Saturday night, had previously faced criticism for its grueling 22:00 start time.

With frigid November temperatures and a race that stretched into the early hours for East Coast viewers, the event was due for a scheduling tweak.

Now, with a revised slot of 20:00 local time (23:00 ET, 04:00 GMT), the race is expected to be more accessible to fans while still delivering the high-energy spectacle of a night race on the Las Vegas Strip.

“This adjustment is based on feedback, insights and experience from the first two races, expanding opportunities for fans to explore the destination and continuing to engage with more fans across the US,” said a spokesperson for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

While the logistical challenge of shutting down and reopening the bustling Vegas streets remains, the new start time should provide some breathing room for both event organizers and attendees.

A Mix of Start Times Across the Globe

The Las Vegas GP’s shift brings it in line with other prominent night races on the calendar. The Saudi Arabian and Singapore Grands Prix will once again commence at 20:00 local time, while Bahrain (18:00), Qatar (19:00), and Abu Dhabi (17:00) all maintain their respective evening slots.

For the majority of the season, race start times will stick to the traditional 14:00–15:00 window. The one exception, outside of Vegas, is the Miami Grand Prix, which will take place at 16:00 local time on May 4.

With the 2025 season shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, F1 fans can now mark their calendars – and set their alarms – accordingly.

Vegas, as always, promises to bring the glitz and drama, but this time, at a more reasonable hour.

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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.