The 2024 F1 season launches this weekend with thrilling races at Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit, marking a dynamic start with practice sessions from Thursday.
F1 resumes its rights this weekend with the opening of the 2024 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Sakhir circuit serves as the stage for this year’s kickoff, and we’re set from Thursday for the free practice sessions!
Indeed, this year, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place from Thursday, March 7 to Saturday, March 9, as Ramadan begins on March 10. Consequently, Formula 1 has moved Bahrain forward by a day to allow seven days between the two events.
Starting Wednesday, we will, of course, bring you the media day of this race, which promises to be interesting, with a brand-new hierarchy to discover. It will also mark the debut of the RB F1 and Stake teams, formerly known as AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo, respectively.
However, the grid remains the same, as the 20 drivers at the start are the same as at the end of the 2023 season, with no changes. This is a first in the history of the world championship.
Track Characteristics
Though built in the middle of the desert, it features several fast corners with camber. The first turn is a heavy braking point at the end of the straight, conducive to overtaking but also to clashes at the start.
After a second short straight, where the first DRS zone is located, drivers face a tight turn before the first fast and downhill sequence.
Following this section is a fast left turn that leads into a braking zone before the hairpin that follows. After this, the second DRS zone arrives, and the rest of the circuit consists of fast corners, notably a sequence of a long left turn and a right curve.
The long back straight and the start/finish line offer overtaking opportunities. The third DRS zone is placed on the start/finish straight.
Contenders
After the winter testing, it’s hard to imagine that Red Bull is not the favorite team, and that Max Verstappen is not the favorite driver. However, Ferrari appeared to close the gap on some long runs, and Mercedes F1 may have partially hidden its capabilities.
The question remains about McLaren, not always comfortable in Bahrain, and Aston Martin. A group of teams follows with Alpine, RB, Stake, and Williams (not necessarily in that order), while Haas seems to be lagging behind.
Bahrain Grand Prix Schedule
Note again! The Grand Prix runs from Thursday to Saturday this week, at the usual times for the Bahrain GP, with qualifying and the race taking place at night.
| Day | Time | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, February 29 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Free Practice 1 |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free Practice 2 | |
| Friday, March 1 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Free Practice 3 |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Qualifications | |
| Saturday, March 2 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Race |
The complete list of Bahrain Grand Prix winners:
| Year | Circuit | Winner | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sakhir | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
| 2022 | Sakhir | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2021 | Sakhir | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2020 | Sakhir | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2019 | Sakhir | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2018 | Sakhir | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2017 | Sakhir | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2016 | Sakhir | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2015 | Sakhir | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2014 | Sakhir | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2013 | Sakhir | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2012 | Sakhir | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2010 | Sakhir | Fernando Alonso | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2009 | Sakhir | Jenson Button | Brawn GP | Mercedes |
| 2008 | Sakhir | Felipe Massa | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2007 | Sakhir | Felipe Massa | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2006 | Sakhir | Fernando Alonso | Renault | Renault |
| 2005 | Sakhir | Fernando Alonso | Renault | Renault |
| 2004 | Sakhir | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
2024 Bahrain F1 GP Weekend Schedule. 2024 Bahrain F1 GP Weekend Schedule
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