The 2024 Formula 1 season will speed back onto the sporting calendar with the Bahrain Grand Prix set to take place this month.

Max Verstappen is on a historic run of three successive drivers championships, with Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari desperate to finally mount a challenge to the Dutchman and Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton is still striving for his long-awaited eighth title but will settle for a solitary race victory during his final year with the Silver Arrows.

The seven-time world champion, who last won at Saudi Arabia 2021, has confirmed he will join Ferrari from 2025 and replace Carlos Sainz, who stopped Red Bull's invincible season with victory in Singapore.

However, with a record 24 Grand Prix due to take place from February to December 2024, fans can be more hopeful.

Bahrain 2024 GP: Date and start time

The 2024 F1 campaign will once again get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix, which has hosted the season-opener since 2021.

The race weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit is scheduled for Thursday, February 29 to Saturday, March 2.

The Bahrain Grand Prix - and the following race in Saudi Arabia - have been moved forwards 24 hours due to Ramadan.

Bahrain 2024 GP: TV channel and live stream

The race weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.

Coverage of the race is scheduled to begin at 1:30pm on Sunday.

Sky Sports customers can live stream this via the app using their mobile, tablet or computer devices.

You can also purchase a Sky Sports Day Pass from NowTV for £11.98 while Channel Four will broadcast highlights later in the evening.

Fern Buckley will have updates from Bahrain live on talkSPORT. 

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Bahrain 2024 GP: What has been said?

Hamilton broke his silence on his move to Ferrari this month, stating that he's excited to take 'a leap of faith'.

Taking to Instagram, Hamilton said: "It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.

"But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.

"I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.

"Mercedes has been a huge part of my life since I was 13 years old, so this decision has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make. I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m very grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone I have worked with over the years and of course Toto, for his friendship, guidance and leadership.

"Together we have won titles, broken records and become the most successful Driver-Team partnership in F1 history. And of course I cannot forget Niki who was a huge supporter and who I still miss everyday.

"I must also share my huge appreciation to the whole of the Mercedes-Benz board and everyone at the company in Germany and around the world for supporting me over these 26 years.

"But the time is right to make a change and take on a new challenge. I still remember the feeling of taking a leap of faith into the unknown when I first joined Mercedes in 2013. I know some people didn’t understand it at the time but I was right to make the move then and it’s the feeling I have again now. I’m excited to see what I can bring to this new opportunity and what we can do together.