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Formula 1 Bahrain GP

F1 Bahrain GP Live Commentary and Updates - FP1 & FP2

Thursday's action from the first round of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have arrived at the Bahrain International Circuit as the clear favourites after testing. 

But with the Ferrari SF-24 showing pace in the hands of both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and Red Bull enduring some reliability issues during pre-season, there is hope of a battle for the top step of the podium.

With the midfield appearing closer than ever, answers will begin to become clear as the action gets under way. 

FP1 will begin at 11:30 GMT (14:30 local) with FP2 following at 15:00 GMT (18:00 local).

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"Everything is f*****g miles off," reports Verstappen. A reminder, he is the fastest driver to this point.
Stopwatch
Two purple sectors and a session-best for Verstappen as he becomes the first driver to drop below 94 seconds. A 1m33.900s leads the way by 0.644s from Sainz.
Verstappen is now purple in sector two...
As Sainz lowers the benchmark, Verstappen has gone purple in sector one....
Stopwatch
The times are likely to drop throughout the session, so don't expect the current efforts to last long in their positions. 

Hamilton now leads Russell with a 1m34.630s.
Verstappen finally joins the party after seven minutes. Only Sargeant is yet to take to the track.
Stopwatch
But very quickly, Apline take that honour, before being demoted by Piastri and Perez, who sets an early marker of 1m 35.093s.
Stop the count, as far as Haas are concerned. Magnussen and Hulkenberg set the opening times of the season and are therefor one and two.
Mechanical problem
An early problem for Zhou here, as he reports that his brakes are not working. Regardless, he appears to be pressing on down the back straight. But he returns to the pits for what he will hope is a quick fix.
The first driver taking to the track is Bottas, but he is quickly joined by over half the field.
Lights green
Here we go! As the lights go green for FP1, the 2024 Formula 1 season is under way!
Unsurprisingly, the chance of rain for the coming session is 0%, with blue skies above. 

The air temp is currently 19.5C, track temp is 35.9C, and there are winds of 3.2m/s. The wind will be the biggest concern to drivers.
But now, it's time for the first time this year to hit the music, and get ready for some action!
We're just 10 minutes from the action getting under way, as the drivers begin to climb into their cars.
Quote
Asked if he regretted that the matter went public, Horner adds: "Again, I am not going to be able to give you any further comments on it I am afraid. But I am pleased to be here in Bahrain with the team and focused on the season ahead."
Quote
Quickly switching back to Horner, speaking to Sky Sports on his way to the garage, he said: "I am just pleased the process is over, I obviously can’t comment about it but I am here and this is very much the focus now on the grand prix and the season ahead and trying to defend both of our titles."
Breaking news
But dominating the news recently has been the Red Bull investigation into team principal Christian Horner. This process was concluded on Wednesday with Red Bull confirming the case has been dismissed. 

Full details are here...

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-team-boss-horner-cleared-of-wrongdoing-in-red-bull-investigation/10580794/
It hardly seems like any time has passed since the winter break began and we're back in action. Pre-season testing painted a picture of Red Bull dominance, but the true answers will begin to appear very soon.
Good morning and welcome to Bahrain for the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season. I'm Sam Hall and I will be guiding you through the opening session of the weekend.

By: Autosport Staff

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