OFFICIAL GRID: Who starts where for the 2024 opener in Sakhir, with four teams in the top six

It was a 33rd pole position for world champion Max Verstappen in Friday's Sakhir qualifying session, but the Red Bull man had to work for it, with the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes and Aston Martin pushing him hard.

Charles Leclerc starts alongside Verstappen on the front row, with George Russell and Carlos Sainz lining up behind them. Then comes the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez and the green Aston of Fernando Alonso.

STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the possible race strategies for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix?

At the other end of the grid, it's set to be a tough race for the Kick Sauber and Alpine teams. For the former, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu qualified 16th and 17th respectively. For the latter, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly will form the final row of the grid.

The 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix starts at 1800 local time. Be sure to join our live coverage from 1700 here.