The 2024 Formula 1 season is officially underway with pre-season testing in Bahrain concluding. The end of FP2 saw Mercedes leading the way with a 1-2 finish, while Red Bull seemed to struggle with Max Verstappen in sixth and Sergio Perez in tenth. However, with uncertainties surrounding engine modes and fuel loads, all eyes are now on qualifying to see if Red Bull can make a comeback or if other teams can challenge them this season.
Qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 7pm local time (4pm GMT) using the standard Q1, Q2, and Q3 knockout session format. The entire Bahrain GP weekend has been moved up by a day due to the start of Ramadan on Sunday, March 10th. This adjustment was necessary to comply with the F1 rules which mandate a one-week gap between races.
In the United Kingdom, Formula 1 is broadcast live on Sky Sports, with the exception of the British Grand Prix, which is shown on both Sky Sports and Channel 4. Channel 4 also provides highlights several hours after the race concludes. Live streaming options are available through NOW in the UK. Sky Sports F1 offers coverage of all F1 events for £18 per month for new customers. Alternatively, Sky Sports can be accessed on NOW with a one-off payment of £11.99 or a monthly subscription of £34.99.
For the Bahrain GP, qualifying coverage will begin at 3:10pm GMT on Sky Sports F1. Additionally, Autosport will be providing live text coverage of qualifying. Channel 4 will air highlights of qualifying at 7:30pm GMT on Friday evening. The broadcast will run for 90 minutes, encompassing both the qualifying session and the key highlights of the race weekend.
BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC 5 Live Sports Extra will provide live radio coverage of every practice, qualifying session, and race throughout the 2024 F1 season. The coverage for Bahrain GP qualifying will start at 4:00pm GMT on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds app.
Weather forecasts predict dry and mild conditions for the start of qualifying in Bahrain. The temperature is expected to be around 18 degrees Celsius, with minimal chances of rain and low wind speeds.
As the 2024 F1 season gets underway, all eyes are on qualifying in Bahrain to see how the teams stack up against each other. With Mercedes showing early pace and Red Bull looking to bounce back, it promises to be an exciting season ahead. Fans in the UK can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, Channel 4, and BBC radio, ensuring that no moment of the thrill is missed.