The 2024 Formula 1 season will speed back onto the sporting calendar this weekend as the Bahrain Grand Prix takes centre-stage.

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.

F1 2024 schedule in FULL with start times for every practice session, qualifying, and race

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 in 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 this year, fans can be more hopeful.

But it was a similar story in qualifying as Verstappen claimed pole, with Charles Leclerc second and George Russell third.

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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 forward 24 hours due to Ramadan.

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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: Track details

The Bahrain International Circuit is a staple on the F1 schedule and first hosted a Grand Prix in 2004, where Michael Schumacher claimed victory in his Ferrari.

The Bahrain Grand Prix consists of 57 laps, totalling 308.24km.

The race takes place under floodlights and is often packed full of good action.

The track’s most challenging part is the tight, downhill Turn 10 left-hander, while the fast run through Turn 12 is where the drivers can really go for it.

For spectators, there aren't that many points to watch to avoid fans having to stand in the desert for hours, but there is a grandstand, which allows you to see four corners clearly.

Bahrain 2024 GP: Starting grid

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
3. George Russell, Mercedes
4. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
5. Sergio Perez, Red Bull
6. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
7. Lando Norris, McLaren
8. Oscar Piastri, McLaren
9. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
11. Yuki Tsunod