F1

The first Grand Prix weekend of 2023 is here. First of all, it is time for the first free practice session at the Bahrain International Circuit.

[Ferrari](/en/f1-teams/ferrari), the test also went smoothly, but the team is keeping in mind that Red Bull's pace may not be up to scratch at the moment. [Sebastian Vettel](/en/f1-drivers/sebastian-vettel) with four and Fernando Alonso with three wins. The first Grand Prix weekend of 2023 is here.

It's the first race of the 2023 F1 season and Red Bull look to be favourites. Who can stop Verstappen? Here's how to catch the action.

If you miss those shows, you can catch the action on the All 4 app after it’s broadcast. If you’re seeking a safe and secure VPN, we’d recommend Nyck de Vries will be back after his fill-in appearance for Alpha Tauri last season and Nick Hulkenberg is back in an F1 sit after a few seasons out, driving for American outfit Haas. Who follows behind will be interesting, with Ferrari Scuderia, Mercedes and surprisingly Aston Martin thought of as being in the next pack. How to watch the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix 2023 What is the UK time for the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix?

The first practice session of the 2023 F1 season is in the book - check out all the results from Bahrain as Sergio Perez goes fastest.

Below is a full list of the results of first practice from the 2023 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix. [missing testing due to his wrist injuries](https://racingnews365.com/more-details-emerge-on-strolls-mystery-accident/), but lost time during the 60-minute session due to an ignition problem on the AMR23. [Red Bull](/formula-1-teams/red-bull) driver topped the times ahead of Fernando Alonso in the [Aston Martin](/formula-1-teams/aston-martin) with World Champion [Max Verstappen](/formula-1-drivers/max-verstappen) third.

Sergio Perez headed the first Formula 1 practice session of the season, clocking in a 1m32.758s to draw first blood over Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso in ...

[Alfa Romeo](https://www.motorsport.com/team/alfa-romeo/17890/) squad-mate [Valtteri Bottas](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/valtteri-bottas/13082/). [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/what-we-learned-on-the-final-day-of-f1-testing-in-bahrain/10436598/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/how-the-f1-2023-competitive-order-is-shaping-up-after-bahrain-testing/10436753/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/has-alonso-made-the-right-choice-gambling-on-aston-martin-f1/10436827/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/why-grounded-hamilton-remains-confident-in-mercedes-f1-recovery/10437037/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-tangible-steps-alpine-has-taken-to-meeting-its-humble-f1-2023-targets/10437197/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-key-factors-behind-f1s-premier-league-style-managerial-revolving-door/10437387/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-rookies-looking-to-make-their-mark-on-f1-in-2023/10437782/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/a-bad-week-or-the-dark-horse-from-f1-testing/10438282/) The Chinese driver was eighth quickest, ahead of He later attributed this over the radio to cold tyres on the right-hand side. After a quiet opening half-hour, Perez was armed with a set of soft tyres and crushed his own benchmark by nearly two seconds, posting a 1m32.758s to flex his advantage at the top.

The first practice session of the 2023 season ended with Red Bull on top of the standings as Sergio Perez set the fastest lap over Aston Martin's Fernando ...

Alex Albon, who began with some red flow-vis paint on the back of his FW45, finished 3.458s off the pace in P19. Fellow two-time champion Max Verstappen was therefore bumped down to third overall, 0.617s off the pace set by his Red Bull team mate. Pierre Gasly capped off a quiet showing for Alpine in P17, with the bottom four on the timesheets all opting to forgo a soft-tyred run. [after injuring his wrist in a pre-season cycling accident](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.paddock-insider-how-lance-stroll-went-from-bike-crash-to-f1-paddock-return.7aiznUPA6rxb65Vl0mA7oe.html), which caused him to miss testing – though he spent much of the first half of FP1 in the garage with an ignition problem, only setting his first flying lap with 23 minutes left. The first practice session of the 2023 season ended with Red Bull on top of the timesheets as Sergio Perez set the fastest lap over Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso in Free Practice 1 for the Bahrain Grand Prix. [NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2023.2AItbVHIhSpEvmmbV7nlBB.html)

Here are the complete results from the first practice session in Bahrain, where Red Bull have set the pace to kick off the new season.

20 Carlos Sainz FERRARI +3.314 20 LAPS 19 Alex Albon WILLIAMS +3.260 14 LAPS 15 Esteban Ocon ALPINE +2.347 19 LAPS 13 Yuki Tsunoda ALPHATAURI +2.257 19 LAPS Losing the rear, Sainz spun around at high-speed but made use of the ample run-off area to gather back up his car and resume the circuit. 7 Kevin Magnussen HAAS +1.644 19 LAPS

Mercedes has hired one of Red Bull's former senior figures as a special advisor to help drive improvements at its Formula 1 team, Motorsport.com has ...

[PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-rookies-looking-to-make-their-mark-on-f1-in-2023/10437782/) But you need to almost reinvent yourself, whilst keeping what's good.” It's clear that you can't freeze a successful structure.

Ahead of this weekend's opening race at the Bahrain Grand Prix, F1 teams have the chance to put their new cars and drivers through their paces in free ...

Sunday's 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. For viewers planning to live stream F1 in 2023, you can watch via the Sky Go app if you're an existing subscriber or you can purchase For fans in Canada, TSN will carry the English-language telecast of races. Elsewhere, Sling TV will also show the action, as too will FuboTV in the US. For Spanish-language viewers, they can find live broadcasts on ESPN Deportes, though ESPNews and ESPNU will also show some practice and qualifying sessions live throughout the year. Granted, we're not going to see teams go flat out at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday but free practice should highlight where teams are this season in terms of pace a little more. The sessions last for an hour and drivers mostly use this time to find their rhythm which is especially important before this weekend's opening race. 40 minutes left of FP1: Red Bull's Sergio Perez goes fastest as Williams' rookie Logan Sargeant comes over his radio complaining of a burning smell in his car. 15 minutes left of FP1: Heart in mouth stuff for Ferrari's Carlos Sainz as he goes for a huge spin through the middle sector. 40 minutes left of FP2: Lewis Hamilton squeezes into P3 as it stands, though it must be noted that all the frontrunners are currently on softs tyres with one exception: Red Bull. Seems like the main cause is coming in the form of certain cars 'bottoming out'. 10 minutes left of FP2: Not long left for others to try and beat Alonso's quickest time so far.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez set the pace in the first practice session of the Formula One season in Bahrain on Friday with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso ...

Register for free to Reuters and know the full story Red Bull are favourites for the weekend in Bahrain after setting the pace in testing. Stroll was kept waiting for the first 20 minutes due to an ignition problem.

Sergio Perez topped the timesheets ahead of Fernando Alonso in first practice for the Bahrain GP as the Formula 1 2023 season began with surprise package ...

20) Carlos Sainz 5) Charles Leclerc 3) Max Verstappen 2) Fernando Alonso 1) Sergio Perez The Aston looks pretty strong and Red Bull, of course, too.

The best driver and constructor F1 Fantasy picks for the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix, including some need to know tips and tricks.

Drivers will be awarded for individual qualifying performance, with ten points given to pole position all the way down to 1 point for tenth. Players will have access to four ‘chips’, only one of which can be used to give you a boost before each race weekend. Ahead of each race, you will have two free transfers to customise your driver or constructor lineup. There is now no benefit in timing your transfers during the week: dynamic pricing used to allow players to trade their way to astronomical team values. Mini-league competitions, running over a small number of race weekends will offer the chance to win more. Red Bull gives you a good chance of bagging the ten bonus points for performing the fastest stop in each race: it was fastest in ten of last year’s 22 GPs. There’s a prominent countdown clock on the team selection page, to help you make the cut. A speedy team can also claim further points for the secind- and third-fastest stops. So if Logan Sargeant clinches pole after a haphazard Monte Carlo qualifying session, that’s probably your opportunity to play it. Fast-starters can rack up points from the moment that lights go out, with bonuses for overtaking and making up places (1 point per place in both cases). If they perform strongly, then their price should rise, giving you the opportunity to sell at a profit. However, they also represent an opportunity given their low values at the start of the season.

Mercedes has hired one of Red Bull's former senior figures as a special advisor to help drive improvements at its Formula 1 team, Autosport has learned.

[PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-key-factors-behind-f1s-premier-league-style-managerial-revolving-door/10436947/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/what-controls-the-frontline-in-the-latest-tech-battles-in-f1-design/10437528/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-rookies-looking-to-make-their-mark-on-f1-in-2023/10436950/)

Fernando Alonso has ended the second practice session from the Bahrain International Circuit as the fastest driver. The Spaniard outpaced both Red Bull ...

27 28

Follow Free Practice 2 for the 2023 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix live. Keep up to date with everything that happens during FP2 at the Bahrain International ...

In the blog, we will provide you with the latest developments during FP2 in Bahrain. [Download our F1 calendar](https://racingnews365.com/download-the-2023-f1-calendar-to-your-agenda) [Max Verstappen](/formula-1-drivers/max-verstappen) to second spot - [although the World Champion did have car problems.](https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-report-unexplained-problem-with-verstappens-car/)

Fernando Alonso set the pace in Friday evening's second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, slotting ahead of Red Bull pair Max Verstappen and ...

Check your [F1 Fantasy team here...](https://fantasy.formula1.com/en/) [READ MORE: ‘They could be a real surprise’ – Red Bull and Ferrari talk up Aston Martin’s chances ahead of 2023 opener](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.they-could-be-a-real-surprise-red-bull-and-ferrari-talk-up-aston-martins.23odcOgjOa7a6Zv4ae82MK.html) [NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2023.2AItbVHIhSpEvmmbV7nlBB.html) [at 1430 local time](https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/racing/2023/Bahrain.html). [his temporarily pink Alpine](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.gallery-check-out-every-angle-of-the-a523-as-alpine-reveal-two-different.27b6Hni9wjhDWPkeuFPTvB.html) seventh, with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton eighth after a low-key first day of practice for Mercedes and the other W14 of George Russell back in 13th, behind a host of anticipated midfield runners. [injuries sustained in a training accident](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.paddock-insider-how-lance-stroll-went-from-bike-crash-to-f1-paddock-return.7aiznUPA6rxb65Vl0mA7oe.html), but the plastered up Canadian finished half a second off team mate Alonso. [READ MORE: ‘We’ll bring it as soon as we can’ – Mercedes prepping ‘different’ sidepod upgrade](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.well-bring-it-as-soon-as-we-can-mercedes-prepping-different-sidepod-upgrade.78K62JBkt48oj3h5gchUOU.html) Piastri had to take avoiding action in the opening stages of the session when he approached a slow-moving Stroll at the pit exit, with the significant lock-up he picked up leading to another off-track moment shortly afterwards. Russell was the final driver within a second of Alonso’s P1 time in 13th, followed by Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari – unable to get the most out of his soft-tyre runs – F1 rookie Oscar Piastri and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas. [opening practice hour](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fp1-perez-leads-alonso-in-first-practice-session-of-the-2023-f1-season.5NmIPQsiGamM1PEyzgmjKy.html), the sun set and floodlights switched on over the Sakhir circuit for FP2 – bringing more representative conditions which will also be seen Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race. Behind Alonso’s pace-setting Aston Martin and the Red Bull drivers, Charles Leclerc was the quickest of the Ferraris in fourth position, followed by high-flying F1 returnee Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) and the other AMR23 of Lance Stroll. Fernando Alonso set the pace in Friday evening’s second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, slotting ahead of Red Bull pair Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez as Aston Martin continue to catch the eye ahead of the new F1 season.

Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin sprung a surprise on the opening day of the Formula 1 2023 season by topping second practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix to ...

"We kind of knew that a little bit in the test but it is a big gap. but I think it is quite hard with the concept we have." It just shows that it is possible to take a jump from the midfield to potentially further up." "Do I believe we can close the gap at some stage? Watch the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race are live at 3pm. "Their car looks great," said Red Bull's Christian Horner between practice sessions. Mercedes were one of the biggest disappointments on the opening day, and a despondent Hamilton said his team are a "long way off" fighting at the front - while also admitting his concerns of reeling in Red Bull and Aston Martin with the "concept we have". But it's still early days." "The car feels good. 8) Lewis Hamilton 1) Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso topped Practice Two for surprise new challengers Aston Martin, ahead of Red Bull, and Hamilton admits former eight-time world champions Mercedes ...

But this is only our fourth day with the new car and we just need to make sure we have got it in a window where we are reaching it's full potential and right now, we haven't got it there." "The car still feels good but we need to wait and see. "A difficult start of the day, Practice One was really bad," he said. there is still a long way to go." "They [Aston Martin] are quick but you could see that in testing they were very competitive. "We kind of knew that a little bit in the test but it is a big gap. We went back into the right direction and it is looking much better now. but I think it is quite hard with the concept we have." Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race are live at 3pm. Watch the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. "We are just on the wrong track. "Do I believe we can close the gap at some stage?

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix practice in Sakhir, ahead of the opening round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.

[PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/why-grounded-hamilton-remains-confident-in-mercedes-f1-recovery/10437037/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/has-alonso-made-the-right-choice-gambling-on-aston-martin-f1/10436827/) [Lando Norris](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/lando-norris/289316/) jumping up to fourth for [McLaren](https://www.motorsport.com/team/mclaren/10/). [Mercedes](https://www.motorsport.com/team/mercedes/5/) didn’t run the softs and placed 10th and 11th with [Lewis Hamilton](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/lewis-hamilton/1278/) and [George Russell](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/george-russell/21167/) respectively, both over 2s off the pace. [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-key-factors-behind-f1s-premier-league-style-managerial-revolving-door/10437387/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-rookies-looking-to-make-their-mark-on-f1-in-2023/10437782/) Perez slipped to third, ahead of Leclerc, Hulkenberg and Stroll. Verstappen could only manage 1m31.076s, 0.169s down on Alonso, to go P2. The fastest times then came thick and fast, with Leclerc, despite complaining of a clutch issue, beat that by just over a tenth with 1m31.843s. [Ferrari](https://www.motorsport.com/team/ferrari/3/)’s [Charles Leclerc](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/109611/) was an impressive fifth on mediums, 1.5s off the pace with 1m34.257s. Alonso also improved his time but was over half a second off that pace.

New Aston Martin signing Fernando Alonso was fastest in Bahrain Grand Prix practice in Sakhir, ahead of the opening round of the 2023 Formula 1 world ...

Perez slipped to third, ahead of Leclerc, Hulkenberg and Stroll. Verstappen could only manage 1m31.076s, 0.169s down on Alonso, to go P2. After a poor showing in FP1, Alpine went straight out on softs with Esteban Ocon producing 1m32.415s before Sainz took P1 with 1m31.956s. He recovered to end the session in sixth. Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz suffered a huge spin at Turn 9 with 20 minutes remaining, as the rear of his car bottomed-out too hard over a bump. Alonso also improved his time but was over half a second off that pace.

Fernando Alonso hogged the headlines at the end of Friday practice for the Formula 1 2023 opener, but looking a little closer it wasn't hard to spot the ...

So, we kind of have kind of knew that a little bit in the test. Still a lot of things to improve in the car. Overall, the car is not too bad in the long run. A switch for most to end the race on the hards is predicted at this stage to be the optimum tyre strategy. And indeed, even Perez’s average on the softs came in at 0.471s slower each time by compared to his team-mate. [Lewis Hamilton](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/lewis-hamilton/1278/) and [George Russell](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/george-russell/21167/) were regularly snapping left as they fought to avoid going beyond track limits on the exit. In it, the Dutchman produced a consistent run and ended up lapping quicker than he started That close spread has raised expectations a big driver or indeed a whole team could have a shock qualifying exit in the opening elimination segments on Saturday. He used that palm to help rotate the wheel sufficiently, while helping support the right hand he injured in a mountain bike accident 13 days ago and revealed on testing’s eve. That resulted in a gap of 0.169s to Verstappen in second. Alonso was second behind Perez, his best effort late on the softs coming in 0.438s adrift. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are in a threatening position going into the Bahrain Grand Prix, but can Aston Martin led by Alonso take on the charging Red Bulls?

Lewis Hamilton thinks Mercedes could be in a worse situation than last year, as he fears the team is on the 'wrong track' with its 2023 Formula 1 car.

[PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-rookies-looking-to-make-their-mark-on-f1-in-2023/10437782/) "But nonetheless, we just keep our head down tonight and we'll go through the data. "I think there was good progress through last year, but the gap wasn't as big as it is now. But right now, we're a long way off from the guys in front." "But I think on the long run, we're quite close to Ferrari, and it looks like the Aston was second. I'm trying everything I can out there."

Fernando Alonso hogged the headlines at the end of Friday practice for the Formula 1 2023 opener, but looking a little closer it wasn't hard to spot the ...

So, we kind of have kind of knew that a little bit in the test. Still a lot of things to improve in the car. Overall, the car is not too bad in the long run. And indeed, even Perez’s average on the softs came in at 0.471s slower each time by compared to his team-mate. A switch for most to end the race on the hards is predicted at this stage to be the optimum tyre strategy. Verstappen’s 15-lap stint just about led the way on the race pace averages ahead of Alonso, as can be seen below. In it, the Dutchman produced a consistent run and ended up lapping quicker than he started That close spread has raised expectations a big driver or indeed a whole team could have a shock qualifying exit in the opening elimination segments on Saturday. He used that palm to help rotate the wheel sufficiently, while helping support the right hand he injured in a mountain bike accident 13 days ago and revealed on testing’s eve. That resulted in a gap of 0.169s to Verstappen in second. Alonso was second behind Perez, his best effort late on the softs coming in 0.438s adrift. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are in a threatening position going into the Bahrain Grand Prix, but can Aston Martin led by Alonso take on the charging Red Bulls?

Start the 2023 F1 season with the top bets for the Bahrain GP to use for a DraftKings $150 promo.

Join us as we delve into the Formula 1 technical features on display in the pitlane as teams prepare for the Bahrain Grand Prix, courtesy of Giorgio Piola ...

[PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/a-bad-week-or-the-dark-horse-from-f1-testing/10437958/) Notably there are two louvres within the gulley, which are used to reject some heat from around the power unit. Both options that have been employed feature a spoon-shaped mainplane, but this variant has a narrower central section and steeper transition to a much shallower outboard section. While not as potent a solution as the upwash strakes that teams used to place here, the swage line that Alpine has incorporated into the endplate is a nice feature that will surely provide an uptick in performance compared with a regularly contoured alternative. While Alfa completed its pre-season test without such an arrangement, it has been added for the race weekend. Mercedes introduced its widebody chassis blister solution as part of a larger package of updates at the British Grand Prix last year.

A disappointed Lewis Hamilton admitted Mercedes were "a long way off" the pace and struggling to close the gap after he finished eighth in Friday's second ...

We'll just keep our head down tonight, go through the data, continue to work and try to progress tomorrow." We're a second a lap behind Red Bull so we've got a lot of work to do." We kind of knew that a little from the test, but it's a big gap," he said.

Fernando Alonso started his Formula One career 22 years ago and began this season with two strong practices on opening day of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

"We want to have a good baseline, a good platform to develop the car during 2023 and maybe fight for something bigger next year," he said. That's quite worrying for other drivers, considering he crushed the competition last year with a record 15 wins. His third place at the Qatar GP in late 2021 was his first podium since 2014. The Dutchman is only 25 years old but has 35 wins. He is teammates with Lance Stroll, the son of Aston's executive chairman. The two-time F1 champion has 32 career wins but none since a victory for Ferrari in 2013.

PART ONE - TEAM REPRESENTATIVES Andrea STELLA (McLaren), Christian HORNER (Red Bull Racing), Frédéric VASSEUR (Alfa Romeo) Q: First up, Andrea, ...

I think we're a team that likes to work collaboratively, we like to be able to have good interactions with the people we work with. I think in terms of where we're trying to get to with weight, what we're trying to do with aero, we were sort of hitting the targets we'd set ourselves. So I think that's a fundamental point that is bigger than the individual interests of the teams and the manufacturers that we need to work collectively to ensure that the product for 2026 is going to deliver on the expectation that there is. I think over the winter, we've got on top of a lot of the issues we had in the car and we've come here feeling like we've got a better package to work with. And I think even on the top that it's perhaps that the newcomers, I'm not sure that they will be ready to supply more than one team because it's already a big challenge to do one team when you are joining Formula 1 and I'm not sure that they will be ready to do that it mean that we will have to find a compromise but it will be OK. It's a halcyon period for the sport and to have manufacturers wanting to be involved, you know, is a testimony to the strength that the sport currently enjoys. And there's got to be a hunger, there's got to be a passion. So I would consider that one as a minor [issue], but impactful in terms of downtime, but not really impactful in terms of concern for the race. But something that you hadn't mentioned is that of course, you're now in the WMSC as a team representative in your Ferrari position, and also that you have control over the Ferrari veto. And we have to continue to develop the car over the season. FV: Yeah, I think that clearly there is more emotion, passion, and so around Ferrari, but at the end of the day, I think all the racing teams are similar on the fact that we have the same DNA. because it's all the effort that goes on behind the scenes, in terms of getting the parts, delivering the parts, getting the cars built and delivered here to a set of regulations.

On the eve of the season-opener, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris fear the Red Bull driver's dominance is only beginning.

If Mercedes and Ferrari can bring the fight to Red Bull this season, it will be a challenge enthusiastically embraced. He has the perfect understanding of where the limit is in every aspect. Red Bull look to be the new dominant force in F1. It was a consummate display of how far the driver has come since he made his debut at 17 in 2015 – the impetuousness, poor decision-making, overaggressiveness and a somewhat all-or-nothing approach that earned him the “Mad Max” moniker was nowhere to be seen. “He has changed quite a bit over the last few years. He just has a very good ability to understand the limit at any instance, rain or shine. It will be a long road to the championship but Verstappen goes in as firm favourite. With a Red Bull car that looks formidable it might be considered that the only real threat to Verstappen is Verstappen himself, but of such a fragility there is no sign. “I don’t think he will slip up,” the Briton said. I don’t think they were even pushing at the end and they were still way ahead. His car comfortably held the edge over Ferrari and Mercedes in testing, its excess weight long stripped out and honed to Verstappen’s driving style of having a pointy front-end on turn-in. If anything the men who must compete against him warn he is only growing stronger, among them Lewis Hamilton, well-placed to recognise a champion’s traits.

F1 in 2022 was all about one man - Max Verstappen. The Dutchman romped to the world championship with Red Bull, and it's hard to look past #33 for the ...

He has now made the most audacious move yet of his career - and it looks to be the first in a decade that might just pay off. He left Ferrari just before they improved to rejoin McLaren just as they fell off the cliff, then left McLaren at the close of 2018 just before their fortunes turned once again. Hamilton has pulled out some of the greatest F1 championship seasons of all time in the past - if he can claim title number eight in 2023, it might just be his greatest ever. He is probably the only member of the younger generation on - or at least close to - the level of Max Verstappen, and he deserves to take it all the way. They look to have built one of the fastest cars on the grid for 2023 - as backed up by Friday's FP1 session, which saw Alonso take P2. And then the rest. What will have raised eyebrows is that the previous two were world champions (Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg), whereas '22 saw Hamilton defeated by George Russell in his first year at Mercedes. Red Bull have far and away the fastest and most reliable car on the grid ahead of 2023 and, with Verstappen only getting better every year, it's looking more than likely it will be championship number three for the Dutchman. That being said, there were several missed opportunities - Hamilton probably should have won at least one of the Spanish, British, Dutch, American, or Mexican GPs. But mistakes from Leclerc were also present at crucial points, and he lacked the decisiveness of teammate Carlos Sainz at crunch times when it came ot strategy. And, coming in to 2023, who's to say it won't be three at 26? Verstappen was untouchable last season, even after Ferrari bolted out of the blocks at the opening rounds.

Start your engines – the Bahrain Grand Prix is upon us and will serve as the first event of a record-breaking new F1 season made up of 23 races across five ...

[seemed unconvinced that he will be able to challenge for pole position](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/charles-leclerc-ferrari-qualifying-bahrain-29369023) this weekend. For those who prefer radio coverage, [BBC](https://www.irishmirror.ie/all-about/bbc) Radio 5 Live continue to hold the rights in the UK. Though the Grand Prix begins in early evening under the floodlights, meaning it will have cooled a fair bit before the cars take to the track. The defending champion looked good in pre-season testing and practice on Friday, and Red Bull seem to have again given him the strongest car on the grid. The main event begins 24 hours later with the formation lap scheduled for 3pm (UK time) on Sunday. [Their punditry line-up is familiar yet slightly streamlined this year with two faces absent from last year](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/sky-sports-f1-presenters-2023-29059583). It rained in Bahrain earlier this week, but forecasts show a zero percent chance of that happening on either Saturday or Sunday. Qualifying begins on Saturday at 6pm local time, meaning 3pm in the UK. Here's everything you need to know about the first Grand Prix of 2023: Most F1 fans will be hoping for a more competitive title race this year, beginning this weekend in Bahrain. Instead, Red Bull got on top of their issues quickly and went on to set new records, such was their dominance as Ferrari fell apart. Fortunately, it begins this weekend with the

The FIA has moved to clear up the rules regarding Formula 1 drivers crossing pitlane exit lines, in response to the controversy that surrounded Max ...

[PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/has-alonso-made-the-right-choice-gambling-on-aston-martin-f1/10436827/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-tangible-steps-alpine-has-taken-to-meeting-its-humble-f1-2023-targets/10437197/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/a-bad-week-or-the-dark-horse-from-f1-testing/10438282/)

The FIA has moved to clear up the rules regarding Formula 1 drivers crossing pitlane exit lines, in response to the controversy that surrounded Max ...

[PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-tangible-steps-alpine-has-taken-to-meeting-its-humble-f1-2023-targets/10436929/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-key-factors-behind-f1s-premier-league-style-managerial-revolving-door/10436947/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/a-bad-week-or-the-dark-horse-from-f1-testing/10437958/)

If you've tuned into the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend and are new to F1, we've got you covered with a handy video explainer that runs through everything you ...

[NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix](https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.need-to-know-the-most-important-facts-stats-and-trivia-ahead-of-the-2023.2AItbVHIhSpEvmmbV7nlBB.html) WATCH: F1 for beginners – Everything you need to know about F1 ahead of the new season If you’ve tuned into the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend and are new to F1, we’ve got you covered with a handy video explainer that runs through everything you need to know about the sport...

Express Sport will keep you across all the latest as we get ready for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

It left Hamilton and George Russell having to dial down expectations ahead of the opening race on Sunday. [Lewis Hamilton](/latest/lewis-hamilton) at Mercedes, with the Brit still yet to sign a new contract. "It depends to an extent on how you live your life, and perhaps we are not similar in that regard. All eyes will turn to Bahrain today with qualifying for the first Grand Prix of the season set to start at 3pm. And it will be the Dutchman Verstappen who starts the year as the hot favourite to win his third world title in a row, with the 25-year-old appearing to be quietly confident ahead of the new campaign. The excitement and tension is ramping up a gear as we get ready for qualifying ahead of the first Grand Prix of the new season in Bahrain.

Hurtling spin-outs, the thrill of overtaking, and a frustrating spell in the pits... discover the gaming experience that aims to make you feel like an F1 driver.

the gaming experience that aims to make you feel like an F1 driver Visitors to F1 Arcade and users of the sims may not have the roar of the crowds or the jeopardy of career-making points to be won, but the experience is engaging. The space itself keeps visitors immersed in the world of F1 with vast screens dedicated to it The arcade's series of reaction games is designed to test the speed of a player's reflexes For those who aren't expecting to ascend to the heady heights of Formula One, F1 Arcade is a good place to start The arcade also provides a series of reaction games designed to test the speed of your reflexes, which are

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that takes place in May has been chosen as the first venue to feature the trial of a new Formula 1 qualifying format, ...

[PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/why-grounded-hamilton-remains-confident-in-mercedes-f1-recovery/10437037/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-f1s-comeback-merchant-can-make-a-lasting-impression-at-haas/10439418/) If any of the sessions are declared wet, then tyre choice will become free.

Formula 1's television coverage has always been at the cutting edge of technology, with the series' bosses always striving to make it better.

[PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/why-grounded-hamilton-remains-confident-in-mercedes-f1-recovery/10436919/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-key-factors-behind-f1s-premier-league-style-managerial-revolving-door/10436947/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/what-controls-the-frontline-in-the-latest-tech-battles-in-f1-design/10437528/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/the-rookies-looking-to-make-their-mark-on-f1-in-2023/10436950/) However, F1 feels that drone technology is still not a good fit for the demands of covering a high-speed series like F1. [PlusPlusFormula 1Bahrain February Testing ](/f1/news/a-bad-week-or-the-dark-horse-from-f1-testing/10437958/) We don't want to do anything that's rubbish. “Drones aren't quick enough,” explained Locke. Now, graphics will be much simpler to comprehend – whether it involves track alerts for incidents, new top speeds, and whether DRS is enabled or not. “It can feature the time ticking down between the two.” We’re looking at how we can do that.” “It’s a very smart system,” he said.