The 2024 Formula One season kicked off with Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo clocking the fastest time in the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Ricciardo, driving for the rebranded Visa Cash App RB team, set a lap time of 1:32.869, edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris by 0.032 seconds.
Despite finishing sixth in the practice session, reigning world champion Max Verstappen remains the favorite heading into the weekend. Other notable performances included George Russell as the fastest Mercedes in seventh and Lewis Hamilton in ninth before his move to Ferrari in 2025.
The running order in the practice session may not reflect the true competition as some drivers set their best times on soft tires. The race is scheduled to take place on Saturday, with qualifying set for Friday. The season opener promises to be an exciting start to the 2024 Formula One season.
