F1 Bahrain GP qualifying - Start time, how to watch & more

Fresh from sealing a historic seventh F1 world drivers' championship, drawing level with Michael Schumacher at the top of the all time titles list, the Mercedes driver went quickest in both of Friday's sessions, leading a 1-2 ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the first session before Max Verstappen acted as his nearest rival in the second.

FP2 was interrupted by two red flags, the first for a heavy crash by Alexander Albon, who says he was caught out by a lack of grip having run wide at the final corner, before crashing into the barriers. The session was halted for a second time when a stray dog escaped onto the track.

All F1 drivers were given two sets of Pirelli's 2021-spec tyres for FP1 and FP2, but the new tyres were criticised by most of the grid including Hamilton and Albon.

Away from the on-track action, Ferrari made a U-turn on the F1 engine freeze debate and now backs the idea from 2022.

This is set to be positive news for Red Bull, as it assesses its future engine options ahead of Honda's F1 exit at the end of 2021, but team boss Christian Horner has warned a system must be in place to ensure it doesn't create performance disadvantages between teams if a freeze on development is agreed.

What time does qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix start?

Qualifying for the Bahrain GP starts at 5pm local time (2pm GMT), using the regular Q1, Q2 and Q3 knockout session format.

Date: Saturday 28 November 2020
Start time: 5pm local time - 2pm GMT

How can I watch qualifying?

In the United Kingdom every F1 practice, qualifying and race is broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with qualifying coverage starting at 1pm GMT.

Channel 4 is broadcasting highlights of qualifying for the Bahrain GP at 8pm GMT. Autosport will be running a live text coverage of qualifying.

What's the weather forecast for qualifying at the Bahrain International Circuit?

Cloudy conditions are forecast for Saturday evening at the Bahrain International Circuit, but it is expected to remain dry despite some rain that appeared on Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 25 degrees Celsius at the start of qualifying - around 12 degrees Celsius warmer than qualifying for the Turkish GP last time out.

Bahrain Grand Prix - FP2 results