Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-24 at the start of the race. Formula 1 — Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Charles Leclerc (MON)…

2024 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix - As it happened

A recap of what happened at the 2024 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix - the first race of the season.

The 2024 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix got underway at 3pm UK time
How to watch F1 Bahrain Grand Prix today: Live stream for free

Connor McDonagh_1

02 Mar 2024

15:24

The pit stops continue

Perez, Piastri and Hamilton also come in for the hards. No major changes to the order though.

15:22

First pit stops

Russell and Leclerc comes into the pit lane for hard tyres. No surprise given both drivers have been struggling with tyre wear.

15:21

Lap 11/57

Fun scrap between the two Ferraris as Sainz slipstreams Leclerc into Turn 1 and does him on the brakes.

The Ferrari does appear to be struggling though relative to the Red Bull and Mercedes.

15:19

Hamilton on the move

Hamilton breezes past his former teammate, Alonso, into Turn 1 for eighth overall.

15:18

Lap 9/57

Verstappen's lead over Russell is up to 7.0s, while Perez is running 1.2s behind the Mercedes driver.

15:16

Perez up to third

Leclerc locks up again into Turn 10 which allows Perez to get through for third.

15:12

Verstappen in a league of his own

The Red Bull driver is already 3.8s clear of Russell at the front of the field.

Russell, Leclerc, Perez and Sainz are all running in DRS of each other.

15:10

Russell into second

Leclerc appears to be struggling as Russell gets past the Ferrari into Turn 4 for second.

Perez is now right behind the Ferrari driver.

15:07

Order on Lap 2

Verstappen, Leclerc, Russell, Perez, Sainz, Alonso, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Albon, Magnussen, Zhou, Sargeant, Ricciardo, Ocon, Gasly, Bottas and Stroll.

15:06

Disastrous start for Hulkenberg

The Haas driver reports "front wing damage" over team radio - he's in the pit lane and down in 20th.

15:05

Start

Verstappen leads into Turn 1 from Leclerc, Russell, Perez and Sainz.

Alonso, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton and Tsunoda complete the top 10 on the opening lap.

15:02

The first race of 2024 is underway

In the words of David Croft... it's lights out and away we go!

15:00

Formation lap

Verstappen leads the pack away for the first formation lap of 2024.

14:57

Tyres

All 20 drivers have opted to start on the softs.

14:50

Jeremy Clarkson

The former Top Gear host is at the Bahrain Grand Prix and he's been speaking to Martin Brundle.

Is response as to who's going to win: "Adrian Newey"

14:48

Just under 15 minutes to go

So it's time now for the Bahrain national anthem!

14:46

Neymar is here

Neymar (BRA) Football Playe with Red Bull Racing. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 1, Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir, Bahrain, — Neymar (BRA) Football Playe with Red Bull Racing. Formula 1 World…

14:44

Verstappen predicts "interesting race"

"Feels like the top eight or nine cars are closer and that's great to see. Of course we have to see when everyone has full fuel at the beginning of the race. I don't know how it's going to work out, but I think it will be an interesting race."

14:28

Russell looks to the race start

"If there is an opportunity on lap one, turn one, I'll go for it. I think that will be our only chance, if Charles and I don't get ahead of him then Max will be off into a distance.

"We've all made a good step, but we've got to be realistic. They won almost every race last year."

14:24

It's been a busy Bahrain paddock

Geri Horner (GBR) Singer with her husband Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull Racing Team Principal. Formula 1 World — Geri Horner (GBR) Singer with her husband Christian Horner (GBR) Red Bull…

14:16

The grid

Verstappen, Leclerc, Russell, Sainz, Perez, Alonso, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, Stroll, Albon, Ricciardo, Magnussen, Bottas, Zhou, Sargeant, Ocon and Gasly.

14:13

How to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix?

All the details and information that you need to know ahead of today's race.