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F1 LIVE | Bahrain Grand Prix Qualifying: Can anyone challenge Red Bull?
It's time for the first meaningful session of the 2024 Formula 1 season: qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix. There will be no more hiding in this session. All F1 teams will show their full hand. Will Red Bull and Max Verstappen still have an advantage over the rest of the field, or can Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren challenge for pole position? Follow our liveblog to find out.
F1 LIVE | Qualifying: Bahrain Grand Prix
What to expect in qualifying?
Full power. F1 teams and drivers have had around 26 hours on track in Bahrain, but now everything becomes meaningful. There will be no hidding in this session. World Championship points are on offer in Saturday's Bahrain Grand Prix and the next hour will determine the starting grid.
Red Bull and Verstappen dominated the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship. The Dutchman secured 12 pole positions last season. Red Bull haven't been complacent during the winter break as Adrian Newey and his team have made aggressive changes to their car. Will that work on single lap pace? We'll find out in this session. The likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes have all taken inspiration from the RB19. Will that work? This is the session when our questions start to get answered.
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Why is qualifying on Friday?
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 took 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.