F1 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix: times, TV and how to watch race and qualifying rounds
After a shorter winter break than usual due to the covid situation, Formula 1 returns to action this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen set the pace in the first practice session of the Formula One season in Bahrain on Friday as his Red Bull team immediately lived up to expectations that have soared since testing.
The Dutch youngster, who was fastest overall in pre-season testing at the same Sakhir circuit with a car that looked stable and quick, set a best time of one minute 31.394 seconds on a hot afternoon.
"It's always great to see your car at the top of the timesheet," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
"But you know, Mercedes are looking pretty ominous. So we don't take anything for granted. But we're happy with the performance of the car so far."
"But obviously these climate conditions now with the heat are hardly representative of what to expect tonight and especially Sunday."
Qualifying and the floodlit race will take place in cooler evening conditions.
Friday's two practice sessions were now each one hour long, rather than the previous 90 minutes, in a change for 2021.
What time does the Bahrain F1 race start?
The first race of the new Formula 1 season in Bahrain will commence at 16:00 CET on Sunday 28 March 2021.
That's 15:00 in the UK, 11:00 ET and 08:00 PT.
Find out what time the F1 action gets underway where you are in the world.
Saturday's free practice starts at 13:00 CET with the qualifying round commencing at 16:00 CET.
Where can I watch the Bahrain GP?
No matter where you are on the planet, you can see what channel the Bahrain GP is available on here.
UK: Sky Sports F1
United States: ESPN
Spain: DAZN/Movistar
Is the Bahrain GP available online?
The opening GP of the season is available in most nations through the rights holders’ online platform, if they have one. The best option is to check who is showing the game in your country and if they have an online service or Ios/Android app to watch it on.