F1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2023 LIVE! Race stream, latest news, updates, TV, weather and starting grid today
The 2023 Formula 1 season starts right here with Max Verstappen set to win the first race of the year from pole position to secure his third consecutive F1 World Championship title.
Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso all have work to do to fend off a domineering looking Red Bull car with Sergio Perez on the front row and the two Ferrari drivers third and fourth in after yesterday’s qualifying to leave the starting grid in Sakhir .
Mercedes once again struggled to assert themselves in the early days but today could all change as the first race of a season offers a hefty dose of unpredictability, particularly under floodlights on a desert track that often leads to entertaining battles. follow that Bahrain F1 Grand Prix Live with Standard Sport’s race blog below, with expert analysis from Matt Majendie at the track!
live updates
Team by team guide: Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo made a positive step forward last season, enjoying a string of points finishes throughout the year to just edge Aston Martin from sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
They’re one of just four unchanged driver line-ups for the season, which begins with team boss Fred Vasseur moving to Ferrari.
Max Verstappen exclusive
Ahead of the weekend, Matt interviewed two-time world champion Max Verstappen about his future in Formula 1.
The Dutchman, who is tied to a long-term deal with Red Bull, nonetheless hinted he’s already looking forward to heading into the sunset one day.
He said standard sport: “There is more to life than just Formula 1. I have a contract until 2028 and then I will see. I already have a lot of plans what I want to do.
“I know what I want to do and I think it will become clearer with time. I don’t want to spend my best years physically in Formula 1 only. With the number of races increasing, this is way too much.”
Countdown to the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix
We approach the race with on-track preparations gently ramping up after the F2 and F3 races.
F1 review: This is how the season opener went last year
George Russell confident of fighting for a podium
Mercedes driver George Russell has his sights set on third place in today’s Bahrain Grand Prix in the hope that Ferrari will be up there.
However, Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin sits between the two teams on the grid and is the real wildcard of the day in Russell’s eyes.
He said: “Ferrari have always been very strong in qualifying for the last four years and struggled a bit more in the race, so I’m relatively happy not to be that far behind them.
“Fernando is probably more of a dark horse than Ferrari, he had really good race pace in testing so I think it’s going to be a good fight for P3.
“It’s a shame that the Red Bulls are a bit too far ahead now.”
Mercedes guys arrive at the track
Good to see both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell got the memo!
Bahrain F1 Grand Prix Prediction
The first race of the season is perhaps the most difficult, as at last year’s Bahrain GP both Red Bulls were dramatically wiped out late with fuel pump problems.
It would take a bold prediction to say someone other than Max Verstappen will win today, although there’s a chance Ferrari can upset a one-two, especially if they can get off to a good start to upset Red Bull’s strategy .
Red Bull will certainly reconsider Sergio Perez’s plans to stop a Scuderia rise and I think that will put Charles Leclerc one step higher on the podium.
Fernando Alonso should have a good start but Ferrari will have too much for him as the Mercedes is rock solid and consistent – but quite slow.
From midfield, Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon will gain the most ground, with Nico Hulkenberg’s strong qualifying performance unsupported in the race.
F1 Bahrain Grand Prix weather forecast
It will not rain at the Bahrain Grand Prix today.
A desert race in the dry, source of surprises!
But as the sun sets, the temperature also drops from around 28°C currently to around 23°C at the checkered flag. There is also minimal wind over the track which is forecast for the race period.
like watching
TV channel: The race is live on Sky Sports with coverage from 13:30 on Sky Sports F1 and at 14:00 on Sky Sports Main Event. Free highlights can be seen on Channel 4 at 9pm.
Live broadcast: Sky Sports subscribers can watch live via the Sky Go app.