F1 LIVE | Follow FP1 in Bahrain here!

The Formula 1 circus has stayed at the Bahrain International Circuit for the first round in the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. This weekend marks the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, and the event kicks of with the first free practice session. Will Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing continue to display blistering pace, or are Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren in the mix? Follow the liveblog to find out.

F1 LIVE | FP1: Bahrain Grand Prix

What do we expect in FP1?

The first free practice session of the weekend will last 60 minutes and will feature some shakedown runs. The F1 cars completed around 24 hours of running during last week's testing days in Bahrain so teams and drivers will already have a realistic picture of how their car works at the Bahrain International Circuit. Some teams will already be introducing new parts. This session isn't representative of the conditions that will be experianced during the important sessions in Bahrain as it is held earlier in the day.

It will be interesting to see how teams and drivers tackle the windy conditions in Bahrain this weekend. The wind is expected to be stronger compared to last weekend, however that will change on Saturday when calmer conditions are introduced.

Why is FP1 on Thursday?

The Bahrain Grand Prix weekend must be finished on Saturday to allow enough time to travel to Saudi Arabia next weekend. The Saudi Arabian weekend has been moved forward a day to avoid a clash with Ramadan. Therefore, the weekend in Bahrain also needs to move forward one day. Two practice sessions will take place on Thursday, with the third and final practice hour on Friday. Qualifying takes place on Friday evening, with the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.