The race weekend is split up into three days consisting of Practice, Qualifying, and Race. Practices 1 and 2 will take place on the 26th of March: Practice 1 from 11:30 – 12:30 and Practice 2 from 15:00-16:00. On the 27th, we can expect Practice 3 from 12:00-13:00 followed by qualifying from 15:00 – 16:00. Then comes Sunday where from 16:00-18:00 the race will commence.
Traditionally, Practice 1 and 2 have both been 90 minutes long, however as we will see in Bahrain, this season they are reduced to 60 minutes apiece. This means teams will have to increase their on-track action on the Friday, getting the cars and us viewers more amped up ready for qualifying and Sunday’s race.
The 2020 season ended with the sport having well-established safety measures in place and a new plethora of experience, setting the pace for the 2021 season. Despite this, the ongoing global situation means that due to current restrictions in Melbourne, the season could not start as planned: postponement was on the cards.
Not to fear! As always, a last-minute change is no obstacle for F1, and although a couple of weeks late – the first race of the season in Bahrain is fast approaching.
Two grand Prix’s were hosted at the Sakhir circuit last year, but there was a gaping hole in the sidelines. This year, things are looking up as fans will be allowed to attend the opening race permitting, they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from the virus. Health screening on entry is compulsory as well as the wearing of masks. In addition to this, there will be no ‘Paddock Club’ hospitality. Never-the-less, this season's opening race is in good stead for the season’s future.
With pre-season testing in full force, Valterri Bottas finished fastest for Mercedes at the end of day 2. Red bull clocked the most laps at the end of day 1… now all we can do is wait to see who will take the podium in the first race of the 2021 Formula 1 Season.