Max Verstappen is out to claim his third consecutive F1 Drivers’ Championship having soared to victory last year, with the Red Bull once again looking a mean beast after the three-day test.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will hope to put a miserable 2022 behind them in the Mercedes but any hopes of their previous dominance being restored appear wide of the mark.
There is also, as ever, Ferrari to consider as the newly Fred Vasseur-led Scuderia look to get their house in order and contend with the pressure of a title race – should they have the pace.
A potential wildcard contender can also not be dismissed with Aston Martin the early favourites to be the cat among the pigeons, guided by the wily Fernando Alonso.
When is the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix?
The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix takes place this weekend with the race on Sunday, March 5, 2023.
What time does the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix start?
The full session schedule is as follows:
- First practice: Friday, 11.30am GMT
- Second practice: Friday, 3pm GMT
- Third practice: Saturday, 11.30am GMT
- Qualfiying: Saturday, 3pm GMT
- Race: Sunday, 3pm GMT
How can I watch the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix?
TV channel: Every session is live on Sky Sports with coverage of sunday’s race starting at 1.30pm on Sky Sports F1 and at 2pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Free highlights are on Channel 4 at 9pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can watch live via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on Sunday with Standard Sport’s race blog!