Formula 1's biggest-ever season begins with the Bahrain GP as the 2023 cars go all out for the first time; Watch the build up, action and reaction to the first race of the season live on Sky Sports F1 with build-up from 1.30pm and the race start at 3pm on Sunday
Sunday 5 March 2023 07:11, UK
Formula 1's biggest-ever season is finally here! The Bahrain Grand Prix kicks off a year of inevitable twists and turns, with anything possible as the drivers go all out for the first time in 2023.
After a three-month wait, Formula 1 is back with new cars, new drivers and potentially an all-new pecking order for a 23-race campaign, all live on Sky Sports F1.
Three days of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit last week suggested that reigning world champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team could start the season on the front foot, but Ferrari and Mercedes will no doubt be giving everything to push the Dutchman all the way.
While Verstappen is chasing a third successive title, Lewis Hamilton resumes his search for a record eighth drivers' crown, while Charles Leclerc is out to end Ferrari's long wait for a champion.
Aston Martin look as though they could also spring a surprise, with Fernando Alonso qualifying fifth ahead of the Mercedes after looking quick in practice.
Further intrigue is added to the opening race of the season by the presence of rookies Oscar Piastri, Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargeant, who will be eager to make up places after all three dropped out of the first round of qualifying.
Sky Sports F1 viewers can experience live races from inside the car of their favourite driver thanks to a stunning new innovation for the 2023 season.
Sky customers with a Sky Sports F1 subscription just need to download the Sky Sports App and log in to ride with Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc or any driver of their choice.
In addition to the 20 driver onboard streams, viewers will also be able to experience the Sky Sports 'Battle Channel', a split-screen offering focusing on a battle between up to three cars.
If you prefer to jump onboard through your TV screen, the service will also be available through Sky Q and Sky Glass.
This is in addition to the Race Control streams that have been available in previous seasons, including multi-screen, timing screen, driver tracker and onboard mix.
Sunday
8.45am: F3 Feature Race
10.15am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday Bahrain GP Build-up
3pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
5pm: Chequered flag: Bahrain GP Reaction
Formula 1 is back! Watch the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend with Sunday's race live at 3pm. Get Sky Sports
