F1 Bahrain 2024 Grand Prix LIVE: UK start time, schedule and how to follow season opener in rare Saturday night race

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.

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Verstappen is looking for a fourth title in a rowCredit: Getty
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 this year, 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.

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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.

Light’s Out for the Grand Prix will take place at 3pm UK time on Saturday.

Upcoming F1 races

ROUND 1 —BAHRAIN

Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir – March 2

ROUND 2 – SAUDI ARABIA

Jeddah Corniche Circuit – March 9

ROUND 3 – AUSTRALIA

Albert Park, Melbourne – March 24

ROUND 4 – JAPAN

Suzuka International Racing Course – April 7

ROUND 5 – CHINA (sprint race)

Shanghai International Circuit – April 21

Bahrain 2024 GP: TV channel and live stream
The race weekend will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.

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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.

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Hamilton’s Mercedes and Leclerc’s Ferrari failed to challenge Red Bull last termCredit: Getty
Bahrain 2024 GP: What has been said?
Hamilton has admitted he finds it emotional to be starting his last season with ­Mercedes ahead of his move to Ferrari in 2025.

“It’s been emotional, it’s very ­surreal to be here,” the British driver said at the launch of the W15.

“I came here in 2013, 11 years with the team, this is the start of my 12th. It is such a privilege to work with people to see the work they’re doing over the winter.”

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He added: “We have had these difficult ­couple of years, which have been really grounding for us. It has helped us regroup and really look at things. I’ve always loved working with the team, particularly when there’s so many people, it’s a huge human element.

“Without those people working so incredibly hard, we wouldn’t get where we want to be. It’s great when we have a common goal and we focus on that on the whole year, it’s a real privilege.”