2024 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix - Qualifying - As it happened

Alonso, Russell, Leclerc, Sainz, Stroll, Magnussen, Albon, Norris, Hamilton and Ricciardo.

Russell briefly takes to the top now with a 1m31.821s but that's now beaten by Alonso in the other Aston Martin.

The current top time from Alonso is a 1m31.582s. 

Stroll topples Magnussen's early time as the top benchmark continues to tumble in this early phase. Everyone out there on the softs except Perez, who is on the hard.

Leclerc pips Hamilton for top spot with a 1m32.677s on the softs - less than a tenth between the two teammates for 2025.

Sainz slots into third, just a tenth shy of Leclerc. The two Saubers and Haas cars are also out there now.

Hamilton sets the first time of the session on the soft tyres - a 1m32.733s for the seven-time world champion.

He's got the whole track to himself. 

No sign of cars on track. Imagine teams are waiting for the track to cool slightly with qualifying and the race taking place under floodlights. 

Green light appears at the end of the pit lane to signify the start of final practice.

It was an interesting second practice on Thursday with Mercedes heading a 1-2. Hamilton was in fine form, leading teammate Russell by 0.2s. 

Red Bull looked like they were the team to beat on the race simulations, with Verstappen looking mighty on heavy fuel. Behind him, it looked close between Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will meet with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to discuss the ongoing Christian Horner situation.

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