F1 testing LIVE: Max Verstappen fastest with Fernando Alonso also impressing in Bahrain

Max Verstappen picked up where he left off by posting the fastest time on day one of three at pre-season testing in Bahrain – 0.671 seconds clear of Lewis Hamilton in the all-black Mercedes.

George Russell, who won Mercedes’ sole race of last season in an impressive debut campaign for the Silver Arrows, finished 1.2 seconds adrift of Verstappen before Hamilton took over after lunch, completing 83 laps.

As day turned to night in Bahrain, Fernando Alonso moved into second for new team Aston Martin – just 0.029 seconds behind Verstappen, who completed 157 laps, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc third and fourth respectively for Ferrari.

Lando Norris took fifth for McLaren, one place ahead of Hamilton. Felipe Drugovich, who deputised for Lance Stroll with the Canadian a doubt for next weekend’s race following a wrist injury sustained in a recent road bike accident, broke down early on in his Aston Martin.

Relive the action from day one of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain

F1 PRE-SEASON TESTING LIVE

• Fernando Alonso impressed in the afternoon session but couldn’t beat Max Verstappen’s time

• Verstappen was also the fastest man in the morning session in Bahrain; Sainz 2nd; Albon 3rd

• Lewis Hamilton has a Mercedes ready to win world championship again, says Toto Wolff

• COMMENT: Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year as new season dawns

• Is F1 testing on TV?

• Drive to Survive REVIEW: Toto Wolff rages at Christian Horner in foul-mouthed flashpoint of season 5

F1 testing: Max Verstappen tops timesheets on day one in Bahrain

17:59 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen picked up where he left off by posting the fastest time on day one of three at pre-season testing in Bahrain – 0.671 seconds clear of Lewis Hamilton in the all-black Mercedes.

George Russell, who won Mercedes’ sole race of last season in an impressive debut campaign for the Silver Arrows, finished 1.2 seconds adrift of Verstappen before Hamilton took over after lunch, completing 83 laps.

As day turned to night in Bahrain, Fernando Alonso moved into second for new team Aston Martin – just 0.029 seconds behind Verstappen, who completed 157 laps, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc third and fourth respectively for Ferrari.

Lando Norris took fifth for McLaren, one place ahead of Hamilton.

Felipe Drugovich, who deputised for Lance Stroll with the Canadian a doubt for next weekend’s race following a wrist injury sustained in a recent road bike accident, broke down early on in his Aston Martin.

The reigning Formula Two champion suffered an electronic failure but he returned to the track to complete 40 laps.

Meanwhile, speaking to the press in Bahrain on Thursday, Toto Wolff sent out a defiant message by declaring Mercedes are ready to carry Hamilton to a record eighth world championship.

Drive to Survive: Season 5 REVIEW

17:44 , Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Drive to Survive: Wolff rages at Horner in foul-mouthed flashpoint of season 5

F1 testing LIVE: Why testing takes on greater significance this year as new season dawns

17:16 , Kieran Jackson

By Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year

F1 testing LIVE: Lewis Hamilton has a Mercedes ready to win world championship again, says Toto Wolff

17:02 , Kieran Jackson

“You need to provide a good car for a driver that has the ambition to win races and championships and we have that,” said Wolff.

“We want to win. At this stage last year, we knew we were in trouble because the car was bouncing around and we were not able to drive it correctly.

“But today, it is very different. The car seems to be balanced in the right way. There is no bouncing which is good news. It is a good starting point. We have had a productive morning.”

“I am amazed because Lewis has been with the team for 10 years and every year he just come backs more mature, more professional and more understanding of what is good for him. He is in high spirits and super-determined.”

F1 testing LIVE: FULL CLASSIFICATION

16:56 , Kieran Jackson

Here’s all the statistics after the first day of action in Bahrain!

F1 testing LIVE: DAY 1 DONE!

16:42 , Kieran Jackson

And there we have it, that’s your lot from day one of pre-season testing in Bahrain!

Top of the timesheets? Max Verstappen. Shock. The reigning world champion was the only person to drive in both sessions and as well as completing a mammoth 157 laps set the fastest time with a 1:32:837.

Fernando Alonso was second, just 0.029 seconds off the pace in his Aston Martin, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz third.

4-10: Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Albon, Zhou, Russell, Sargeant

11-19: Hulkenberg, Bottas, De Vries, Drugovich, Tsunoda, Gasly, Ocon, Piastri, Magnussen

F1 testing LIVE: VSC test!

16:17 , Kieran Jackson

Once again a test at the end of the session for a VSC period...

Need to test the FIA systems, as well as the cars!

F1 testing LIVE: 20 minutes to go!

16:09 , Kieran Jackson

Here comes Fernando Alonso! The Spaniard storms into P2 in his Aston Martin, 0.029 seconds behind leader Max Verstappen.

Charles Leclerc also moving up the leaderboard - he’s fourth, 0.430 seconds behind the Red Bull. Lewis Hamilton is fifth, +0.671 secs to Max.

6-10: Albon, Zhou, Norris, Russell, Sargeant

Final 20 minutes of the day to go...

Is F1 testing on TV?

15:57 , Kieran Jackson

When is F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain?

Pre-season testing takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from Thursday 23 February - Saturday 25 February.

Running will take place between 7am and 4:30pm (GMT) on each of the three days. There will be an hour’s break midway through each session for lunch.

Each driver will have one-and-a-half days worth of time in the car.

The first race of the 2023 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, takes place at the same circuit a week later, on 3-5 March.

Is F1 testing on TV?

Yes! The entirety of pre-season testing will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.

Sky Sports subscribers can watch pre-season testing on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

F1 testing LIVE: 1hr to go!

15:41 , Kieran Jackson

Lando Norris has, fianlly, registered a competitive time in his McLaren - he moves up to eighth overall, 1.2 seconds behind Max Verstappen’s time of 1:32:837. He has only done 31 laps so far, though!

1-10: Verstappen, Sainz, Hamilton, Albon, Zhou, Alonso, Leclerc, Norris, Russell, Sargeant

11-19: Hulkenberg, Bottas, De Vries, Drugovich, Tsunoda, Gasly, Ocon, Piastri, Magnussen

Why is there no 20th place? Sergio Perez is not taking part in running today and, after both Red Bull drivers split duties tomorrow, will have a full day in the RB19 on Saturday.

Drive to Survive: Season 5 REVIEW

15:27 , Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Drive to Survive: Wolff rages at Horner in foul-mouthed flashpoint of season 5

F1 testing LIVE: 1hr 30min to go!

15:12 , Kieran Jackson

Just 90 minutes of running left as the lights turn on in the night sky of Bahrain.

Verstappen still top of the standings, with Sainz second and Hamilton third.

Including the morning runners, here’s the top-10 so far today: Verstappen, Sainz, Hamilton, Albon, Zhou, Alonso, Leclerc, Russell, Hulkenberg, Bottas

11-20: Drugovich, Tsunoda, De Vries, Gasly, Piastri, Sargeant, MMagnussen, Ocon, Norris

Not a good day for McLaren so far...

F1 testing LIVE: Here’s a run-through of all the cars!

14:55 , Kieran Jackson

F1 testing LIVE: Why testing takes on greater significance this year as new season dawns

14:47 , Kieran Jackson

By Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year

F1 testing LIVE: Lewis Hamilton finding his groove...

14:24 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton has gone third-fastest overall today, 0.671 seconds behind Max Verstappen’s new table-topping time of 1:32:837.

Out of the afternoon runners, Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin is third-fastestm with Charles Leclerc just behind.

Problems for Lando Norris though - he’s second-last overall in the timesheet and is currently struggling for laps as the team work on the car in the garage.

Just over two hours to go...

F1 testing LIVE: Here’s who’s out on track this afternoon in Bahrain!

13:57 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull

Max Verstappen (all day)

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc

Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton

Alpine

Esteban Ocon

McLaren

Lando Norris

Alfa Romeo

Valtteri Bottas

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso

Haas

Kevin Magnussen

AlphaTauri

Nyck de Vries

Williams

Logan Sargeant

F1 testing LIVE: Max Verstappen goes close to this top time!

13:45 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen goes 0.064 seconds short of his fastest time this morning, so he’s right in the groove - with just under three hours remaining too! Plenty of time for improvement, as he hits 100 laps in the day!

Logan Sargeant just goes off track into turn 10 in his Williams. Really crucial afternoon and test for the American, to experience an F1 car for the first time before his first Grand Prix weekend next week!

Esteban Ocon’s Alpine, meanwhile, looks to be shaking/bouncing quite heavily down the home straight!

F1 testing LIVE: Felipe Drugovich, speaking to F1 TV:

13:34 , Kieran Jackson

“After the issue this morning, it went to plan. Really enjoyed it, very thankful to the team.

“I don’t know. It’s his wrist. We need to wait and see, me and Stoffel are both assigned to the race.

“This feels like a step forward. I didn’t have a great lap because of traffic but it was still an alright time!”

F1 testing LIVE: Update!

13:28 , Kieran Jackson

We’ve done around an hour of testing now and Fernando Alonso is the only driver in the afternoon session yet to post a time. Not too sure what’s going down at Alpine...

Out of the nine new drivers, Charles Leclerc is quickest - 1.9 seconds behind Verstappen’s morning table-topper. Valtteri Bottas is second, with Lewis Hamilton third.

4-8: Sargeant, Norris, De Vries, Ocon

F1 testing LIVE: Pierre Gasly, speaking to F1 TV:

13:11 , Kieran Jackson

“Hugely excited. New challenge and new project. A lot of information to absorbe but it’s been a long winter, three months is a lot. Recharge the battery for the coming season.

“Car felt great. In 60 laps in these conditions it’s all relative to others and fuel load etc, I could spot straight away what strengths and weaknesses we had. Very productive. Excited to jump back in tomorrow evening.

“No issues, just areas we can improve. It’s important to understand the car as fast as possible.”

F1 testing LIVE: Here’s the drivers out on track for this afternoon’s session!

12:59 , Kieran Jackson

Red Bull

Max Verstappen (all day)

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc

Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton

Alpine

Esteban Ocon

McLaren

Lando Norris

Alfa Romeo

Valtteri Bottas

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso

Haas

Kevin Magnussen

AlphaTauri

Nyck de Vries

Williams

Logan Sargeant

F1 testing LIVE: Lewis Hamilton is out!

12:54 , Kieran Jackson

The seven-time world champion is out on track in Bahrain in the W14!

Hamilton sets a 1:38:071; the third-quickest out of the afternoon runners so far, behind Max Verstappen’s morning time and Lando Norris in his McLaren.

F1 testing LIVE:

12:46 , Kieran Jackson

Nyck de Vries, AlphaTauri’s new driver, is the next man out on track, with green paint on the left-hand side of the front of his car for an assessment of airflow.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Williams’ Logan Sargeant also take to the circuit.

George Russell, meanwhile, speaking after his morning laps says his W14 car was not bouncing. Phew...

F1 testing LIVE: Verstappen out on track!

12:35 , Kieran Jackson

The double world champion and the man at the top of the leaderboard, Max Verstappen, is indeed the first man out on track - and only man currently!

Brief, though. Max 2 laps before he comes back in for a pause outside the garage, yet he’s back out on track...

It’s interesting that Red Bull are the only team opting to give a driver a full day of running on day one of testing.

Lewis Hamilton does have his helmet on though...

F1 testing LIVE: No cars out on track

12:23 , Kieran Jackson

As is often the way with the first minutes in the afternoon session of testing, no cars out on track straight away in the afternoon session!

That’s because the mechanics need to adjust the setup, cockpit, pedals and more for the second driver of the day.

Of course, Max Verstappen is the only driver for Red Bull today but he too remains in the garage. Maybe he’s just finishsing his lunch...

F1 testing LIVE: We’re underway with the afternoon session in Bahrain!

12:16 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton is among the drivers in the afternoon session in Bahrain!

Here’s the full list of drivers this afternoon:

Red Bull

Max Verstappen (all day)

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc

Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton

Alpine

Esteban Ocon

McLaren

Lando Norris

Alfa Romeo

Valtteri Bottas

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso

Haas

Kevin Magnussen

AlphaTauri

Nyck de Vries

Williams

Logan Sargeant

Drive to Survive: Season 5 REVIEW

12:08 , Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Drive to Survive review: Wolff captivates early on but season 5 quickly tails away

F1 testing LIVE: Why testing takes on greater significance this year as new season dawns

11:57 , Kieran Jackson

By Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year

11:36 , Kieran Jackson

Here’s the full classification from the first session of F1 pre-season testing:

F1 testing LIVE: MORNING SESSION DONE

11:21 , Kieran Jackson

The first four hours of running are complete at the Bahrain International Circuit - and it still feels like 2022 judging by the name at the top of the leaderboard!

Max Verstappen is top of the timesheets, with a 1:32:959. Carlos Sainz was second-fastest, 0.294 seconds behind, with Alex Albon third, seven-tenths off Verstappen.

4-10: Zhou, Russell, Hulkenberg, Drugovich, Tsunoda, Gasly, Piastri

Alex Albon, completed the most laps with 74, while all the drivers completed more than 50 laps, aside from Felipe Drugovich who had an early electrical issue with his Aston Martin and AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda.

Now time for an hour’s lunch break!

F1 testing LIVE: 15 minutes to go!

11:03 , Kieran Jackson

The order has slightly changed in the final stages: Max Verstappen now leads the way with a 1:32:959, while Carlos Sainz is three-tenths further back; Alex Albon in third.

That being said, Verstappen did go wide in turn 10 just now. Big lock-up!

4-10: Zhou, Russell, Hulkenberg, Tsunoda, Gasly, Piastri, Drugovich

Now, a brief pause from full-speed running! As well as drivers and teams going through testing procedures, so do the FIA and safety cars. So we have a “fake” virtual safety car period!

F1 testing LIVE: Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan is in the commentary box....

10:32 , Kieran Jackson

JD: “It’s a new car, it’s the drivers who have wake-up runs. The teams need to have a few rounds around changes.”

JD: “I’ve been very busy with a training camp with the Alpine Academy. Had the launch and F2 testing. Priority is F2 commitmenets and also allowing me to fulfil this amazing role.”

F1 testing LIVE: 50 minutes to go!

10:26 , Kieran Jackson

Alex Albon is the first driver to complete a full race set of laps, 57.

Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and George Russell have also completed over half-a-century laps, invaluable time in the car.

Pierre Gasly’s Alpine looks to be bouncing a fair bit down the straights. Is it a setup experiement? Or a problem? Sainz’s Ferrari and Hulkenberg’s Haas also very bumpy down the main straight...

Engineers could just be looking for the limit of how low they can ride the car...

F1 testing LIVE: Odds!

10:17 , Kieran Jackson

2023 Formula 1 Drivers Championship

Max Verstappen: 4/5

Lewis Hamilton: 3/1

Charles Leclerc: 11/2

George Russell: 6/1

Carlos Sainz: 20/1

Sergio Perez: 40/1

2023 Formula 1 Constructors Championship

Red Bull: Evens

Mercedes: 6/4

Ferrari: 4/1

Alpine: 125/1

McLaren: 125/1

Odds courtesy of BettingSites.co.uk

F1 testing LIVE: Red Bull bumpiness

10:07 , Kieran Jackson

Bit of an odd development: it seems Max Verstappen’s RB19 is bouncing a fair bit down the straights. However, it’s not the bouncing or porpoising we’re accustomed to with Mercedes, just bumpiness at what is a realtively bumpy track in Bahrain.

There’s also green paint on the back of the rear wing of the RB19 currently, designed to judge airflow through the car.

Carlos Sainz has a slighty lock-up too, just having to correct himself to avoid the car going off circuit....

Top-3 remains the same: Sainz, Verstappen (+0.340), Albon (+0.418). An hour and nine minutes to go...

F1 testing LIVE: Who’s in the car this morning?

09:56 , Kieran Jackson

Here’s who’s in the car this morning until the lunch break at 11am (GMT)! They have just over one hour left in the car - apart from Max Verstappen!

Red Bull

Max Verstappen (all day)

Ferrari

Carlos Sainz

Mercedes

George Russell

Alpine

Pierre Gasly

McLaren

Oscar Piastri

Alfa Romeo

Zhou Guanyu

Aston Martin

Felipe Drugovich

Haas

Nico Hulkenberg

AlphaTauri

Yuki Tsunoda

Williams

Alex Albon

F1 testing LIVE: Update!

09:47 , Kieran Jackson

The top of the timesheet looks the same. A point of note is George Russell’s Mercedes team have applied some wires to the back of his steering wheel, presumably to test for vibrations and - whisper it quietly - maybe bouncing.

1-10: Sainz, Verstappen, Albon, Zhou, Russell, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Tsunoda, Piastri, Drugovich

An hour and a half of running left in this morning session. We will see all the other drivers this afternoon apart from Sergio Perez, who will have a full day tomorrow.

Drive to Survive is released tomorrow on Netflix - REVIEW:

09:42 , Kieran Jackson

Eyes burning and blood boiling, a rattled Toto Wolff inconceivably loses his cool. Sat in a team principals meeting in Montreal, the German hits the ceiling, in a similar vein to his porpoising Mercedes car that is the only topic of conversation. “If a car ends up in the wall because it’s too stiff or it’s bottoming out…” he barks. “You’re in the s*** and I’m going to come after you.”

Evoking memories of 2021’s title duel, Christian Horner hits back – and hard. “You’ve got a problem, change your f****** car,” the Red Bull boss retorts. Cue bedlam from all angles. It is, unquestionably, absorbing television.

It doesn’t take long for Formula 1: Drive to Survive, edition five, to whet the appetite. Halfway through episode two, in fact. Call it what you like: off the rails. Uncut. Box-office. Wolff’s incredible rant is the content every producer craves. Tick, gold dust.

On the flip side however, that moment is as good as it gets.

Out on Friday, the fifth instalment of this behind-the-scenes behemoth – for both Netflix as a money-making streaming service and Formula 1’s snowballing popularity – peaks a tad early. Sure, the peak is thrilling, though we should be mindful of the cameras in the room, a point a hand-waving Horner makes before the back-and-forth unfolds.

F1 testing LIVE: Is F1 testing on TV?

09:24 , Kieran Jackson

When is F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain?

Pre-season testing takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from Thursday 23 February - Saturday 25 February.

Running will take place between 7am and 4:30pm (GMT) on each of the three days. There will be an hour’s break midway through each session for lunch.

Each driver will have one-and-a-half days worth of time in the car.

The first race of the 2023 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, takes place at the same circuit a week later, on 3-5 March.

Is F1 testing on TV?

Yes! The entirety of pre-season testing will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.

Sky Sports subscribers can watch pre-season testing on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

F1 testing LIVE: LEADERBOARD UPDATE!

09:11 , Kieran Jackson

Sainz, Verstappen and Albon are still your top-three after nearly two hours of the first session. 0.34 seconds seperate the Ferrari and the Red Bull.

George Russell is in fifth, behind Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu. Felipe Drugovich is now back out on track and has recorded a time, right at the bottom though: 10th fastest.

A few sparks flying around the track as the cars struggle with early bumpiness over the kerbs...

F1 testing LIVE: So who’s in the car this morning?

08:58 , Kieran Jackson

Here’s who’s in the car this morning until the lunch break at 11am (GMT)!

Red Bull

Max Verstappen (all day)

Ferrari

Carlos Sainz

Mercedes

George Russell

Alpine

Pierre Gasly

McLaren

Oscar Piastri

Alfa Romeo

Zhou Guanyu

Aston Martin

Felipe Drugovich

Haas

Nico Hulkenberg

AlphaTauri

Yuki Tsunoda

Williams

Alex Albon

F1 testing LIVE: Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year as new season dawns

08:41 , Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year

F1 testing LIVE: Update!

08:34 , Kieran Jackson

Alex Albon was briefly on top of the leaderboad in his Williams, before Sainz and Verstappen quickly bettered his time.

An update for Drugovich’s Aston Martin: an electrical issue, apparently. He is yet to get back out on track, though. Not ideal for the F2 champion, filling in for Lance Stroll in testing.

Most cars have now removed their big aero-rakes, designed to assess airflow...

F1 testing LIVE: Update!

08:21 , Kieran Jackson

Nico Hulkenberg has now slotted into P2 between Sainz and Verstappen; the German has replaced Mick Schumacher for Haas this season.

As for any signs of bouncing from the Mercedes? Not yet, Silver Arrow fans. Don’t speak too soon though, I suppose...

A few drivers have locked up going into turn one, including Verstappen and Hulkenberg. After 95 days out of the car, that’s understandable!

F1 testing LIVE: LEADERBOARD!

08:01 , Kieran Jackson

Not to alarm anyone, but it’s already looking very familiar at the top of the leaderboard.

Seven cars - out of 10 - have recorded competitive lap times so far. Carlos Sainz is top with 1:33:767, with Max Verstappen 1.1 seconds behind. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly is in thrd.

Obviously, it does mean nothing at this point. But we like to speculate on timings nonetheless!

George Russell, in his W14, has done 11 laps so far...

F1 testing LIVE: Carlos Sainz out on track

07:50 , Kieran Jackson

The SF-23 is being driven by Carlos Sainz this morning in Bahrain!

Ferrari have stuck, by and large, to their design from 2022 which thrust them back into Championship contention.

The focus now, for new team principal Fred Vasseur, is to turn that potential into consistent wins and limit the strategic errors which ruined their season!

F1 testing LIVE: So who’s in the car this morning?

07:42 , Kieran Jackson

Here’s who’s in the car this morning until the lunch break at 11am (GMT)!

Red Bull

Max Verstappen (all day)

Ferrari

Carlos Sainz

Mercedes

George Russell

Alpine

Pierre Gasly

McLaren

Oscar Piastri

Alfa Romeo

Zhou Guanyu

Aston Martin

Felipe Drugovich

Haas

Nico Hulkenberg

AlphaTauri

Yuki Tsunoda

Williams

Alex Albon

F1 testing LIVE: We’re back underway!

07:31 , Kieran Jackson

Once again, George Russell is the keen bean in the paddock and is back out on track in his W14!

Interestingly, Aston Martin have put up some large black boards around their garage, so people can’t see their car as it returns to the pit lane. Their mechanics are running down to the start to the pit lane, as the AMR23 returns to the pits!

F1 testing LIVE: RED FLAG!

07:21 , Kieran Jackson

The session has still paused here as a crane lifts the stricken Aston Martin off the track - not a good start for the Silverstone-based team!

Drugovich is now bak in the pit wall, talking to his mechanics, looking somewhat confused!

We should be back underway within 5-10 minutes or so...

F1 testing LIVE: RED FLAG!

07:14 , Kieran Jackson

That didn’t take long!

It’s an early red flag - and it’s the Aston Martin of Felipe Drugovich who has parked on track at turn four, straight after leaving the pit lane!

Not an ideal start for the royal green - or the F2 champion!

You would assume a precautionary stoppage...

F1 testing LIVE: Verstappen out on track!

07:09 , Kieran Jackson

Also straight out on track: double world champion Max Verstappen!

He will drive the Red Bull car on Thursday, the RB19, with Sergio Perez on Friday...

It’s our first look at the car too, with their launch event just showing off their livery. Overall, not a huge amount of change...

F1 testing LIVE: And we’re off!

07:02 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell, in the all-black W14, is the first car to leave the pit lane in Bahrain, closely followed by the Alfa Romeo of Zhou Guanyu!

Cars are back out on track straight away, with Alex Albon’s Williams and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz straight out too.

All the cars are sporting the aero-rakes to start with to assess the airflow in and around the car!

F1 testing LIVE: Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year as new season dawns

06:58 , Kieran Jackson

Time to find your helmet, don your fireproof gloves and pack your bags. Because 95 days after we said goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi, Formula 1 chugs back into life this weekend as the start of the 2023 season dawns. The car launch season, from the tempered-down to the over-the-top, has concluded and finally we will see cars on track with the first – and much-maligned only – official pre-season test of the season. Where? Bahrain. Also the location where, 11 days from now, motorsport’s greatest show goes racing once more.

Yet while an undertone of eager excitement will immerse fans the world over at the sight of fresh – or perhaps not so fresh – liveries at the Bahrain International Circuit, such delirium won’t be mirrored in the paddock. Rather, it’s back down to business. Tick off your checklist. Screw your nuts and bolts. Contrary to the zing in the air, a wave of apprehension will blow over the paddock and its personnel.

Testing is a strange phenomenon. On the whole, the timesheets are not said to be the priority. Instead, its tweaking set-ups. Trialling different parts. Attaching aero-rakes and dashes of green paint to analyse airflow. Some teams even swing the other way; sandbagging the car’s true performance to disguise their potential from their competitors.

That all being said, this three-day testing window does take on more significance than years gone by. Usually, the teams also come together in Barcelona for at minimum a shakedown. Or perhaps Jerez on the southern Spanish coast. This year though, with 2022’s drastic regulation changes only moderately tinkered with in the off-season – a slightly raised ride-height the most noteworthy change – drivers will only have a day-and-a-half of running to tune their cars appropriately and iron out any issues.

Three days in total and bang: we’re into the first Grand Prix weekend of 23. That’s the number of races, it should be said, not just the year.

Why F1 pre-season testing takes on greater significance this year

F1 testing LIVE: Good morning!

06:56 , Kieran Jackson

The 2023 F1 season starts now as we see cars out on track for the first time on day one of pre-season testing in Bahrain - welcome to The Independent’s live coverage!

This year sees 23 races held in a record-breaking calendar, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen looks to make it three in a row following back-to-back World Championship triumphs.

Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team will be targeting improvement following a disappointing 2022 season, while Ferrari will be looking to learn from last year’s mishaps and errors as they eye their first Drivers title in 16 years.

Lance Stroll has been ruled out of the three-day testing window, with Aston Martin test driver Felipe Drugovich taking his place on Thursday morning. Also in action on day one is Max Verstappen, both Ferrari drivers and both Mercedes drivers.

Day one of testing begins at 7am (GMT).