Formula 1 is coming out of hibernation, qualifying for the Bahrain GP is on today’s agenda. But RTL will not show the event on TV and live stream – SPOX explains why that is!
It’s that time again, for the first time this season, the cars in Formula 1 are doing their rounds again. After the first two training sessions were completed yesterday, the third free practice session and qualifying continue today. Starting at 4 p.m., the drivers will be competing for pole at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.
As soon as Sebastian Vettel is gone, Aston Martin is there: Vettel’s successor Fernando Alonso stole the show from Max Verstappen and Red Bull on the first day of practice in the new Formula 1 season. The former world champion from Spain surprisingly set the best time on Friday in Bahrain with 1:30.907 minutes. Returnee Nico Hülkenberg also presented himself very well, the Emmericher came fifth in the Haas (+0.469 seconds) and thus landed in front of both Silver Arrows and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.
Alonso referred world champion Verstappen (Netherlands / +0.169) and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez (Mexico / +0.171) as well as Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari (Monaco / +0.460) to the other places. It was “another step in the right direction,” Alonso downplayed the performance on Sky. In the team, you don’t pay that much attention to the times, he explained.
Based on the impressions of the test drives at the same place, Red Bull had been traded as the clear favorite for the first race of the season. But above all Verstappen, last year’s 15-time race winner and untouchable on the way to his second title in a row, puzzled and quarreled on the radio: “The car feels like it’s constantly jumping. Very different from the test drives.”
Based on the impressions of the test drives at the same place, Red Bull had been traded as the clear favorite for the first race of the season. But above all Verstappen, last year’s 15-time race winner and untouchable on the way to his second title in a row, puzzled and quarreled on the radio: “The car feels like it’s constantly jumping. Very different from the test drives.”
Mercedes reserve driver Mick Schumacher, who was replaced by Hülkenberg at Haas, watched with interest in the garage of the German racing team. He followed a start that was extremely sobering for the team with the star, which had dominated for many years: record world champion Lewis Hamilton only finished eighth (+0.636), his teammate George Russell (both England) in the second Mercedes only managed 13th place (+0.975).
Hamilton made it clear in advance that you don’t think you’re at the absolute top, like you did in a one-time dominance between 2014 and 2021. After the first training rides, he said: “We learned today that we’re a long way off. The gap is huge.”
Formula 1: The race weekend at the Bahrain GP
| Date | time | session |
| Fri, 3/3/2023 | 12.30 p.m | 1. Free Practice |
| Fri, 3/3/2023 | 4 p.m | 2. Free Practice |
| Sat., 4.3.2023 | 12.30 p.m | 3. Free practice |
| Sat., 4.3.2023 | 4 p.m | qualifying |
| Sunday, March 5, 2023 | 4 p.m | Run |
Of course, today’s qualifying will be shown again on TV and live stream, but not on RTL. How come? We will tell you in this article.
Formula 1: That’s why RTL is not showing qualifying at the Bahrain GP live on TV and live stream today
For several years now, the majority of GPs have been sold exclusively by sky transferred, at least four races were per season but by RTL shown. This is no longer the case this season, the two broadcasters did not agree on the extension of the sub-license – sky is now the only point of contact in Germany.
The pay-TV broadcaster starts reporting thirty minutes before qualifying Sky Sport F1 HD. Sascha Roos and Ralf Schumacher will welcome you.
In parallel to the TV broadcast, Sky also offers live streams. You can choose between SkyGo and WOW – both variants are linked to a subscription.
