Here is the schedule for the first Grand Prix of 2021 in Bahrain

F1 2021 gets underway

Formula 1 wanted to return to a normal season in 2021, but the start of the year already shows that that didn't quite work out. Due to the postponement of the Australian Grand Prix, the Bahrain Grand Prix has become the first race on the calendar, and therefore the winter test was also moved. Those three days were now also held in Bahrain.

This means we are back in at the track sooner than expected, as the race in the Middle East was on the calendar at the end of the season in 2020. To complete the calendar the Bahrain GP was followed by the Sakhir Grand Prix but on the outside track. This layout will no longer be used in 2021.

Verstappen the favourite?

On the original layout of the Bahrain International Circuit the main sessions are as usual in the evening, as it is too hot during the day to race, Bahrain is run in the evening. The first sessions of the day are therefore often negligible because they take place in the afternoon and therefore under completely different conditions.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is the first qualifying event of the 2021 Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing seemed to come out of the winter test on top, but what will Mercedes have to show for the first race? We'll find out in Saturday's qualifying session.

The schedule for the Bahrain Grand Prix

Friday

First free practice: 11:30AM-12:30PM

Second free practice: 3:00PM-4:00PM

Saturday

Third free practice: 12:00PM-1:00PM

Qualification: 3:00PM-4:00PM

Sunday

Race: 4:00PM-6:00PM