2024 Bahrain Grand Prix
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was moved a day forward from Sunday to avoid a conflict with start of Ramadan, which was expected to begin on 10 March.[1] The first free practice session was held on 29 February 2024, at 14:30 local time (UTC+3), and was topped by Daniel Ricciardo of RB ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of McLaren.[9] The second free practice session was held on the same day, at 18:00 local time, and was topped by Lewis Hamilton ahead of George Russell, both of Mercedes, and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.[10] The third free practice session was held on 1 March 2024, at 15:30 local time, and was topped by Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari ahead of Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.[16] Mercedes were hampered by engine cooling and ERS battery issues as their drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and seventh, respectively.