By rikififi90 
The Bahrain International Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, witnessed McLaren’s commanding performance at the start of the 2025 season. On Friday, Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in the second free practice session, clocking 1m30s505, cementing the British team as a frontrunner for the weekend. Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate, followed closely in second, just 0s154 behind, securing a McLaren one-two that fuels optimism for a competitive year. George Russell of Mercedes rounded out the top three, but his gap of over half a second to the leader underscored McLaren’s edge.
The session was packed with action. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari kicked things off with a 1m33s347 lap, only to be overtaken by Pierre Gasly’s 1m32s699. Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, briefly claimed the lead with 1m32s157. Yet McLaren’s pace proved unmatched, with Piastri and Norris dominating the timesheets in the closing stages. Their consistency highlights the strides made with the MCL39 car, as the team aims to reclaim its past glory.
A standout performer was Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian rookie with Sauber. Delivering a solid lap, he finished 13th, ahead of his seasoned teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who languished in 20th. Bortoleto’s showing in his first official session as a full-time driver signals a bright future for the 25-year-old, who carries the weight of representing Brazil in the sport.
Early glimpses of 2025
The second free practice in Bahrain offered an initial look at the pecking order for the new season. Beyond McLaren, teams like Mercedes and Ferrari showed promise, but Max Verstappen of Red Bull struggled to find his rhythm, ending seventh, 0s825 off Piastri’s pace. Red Bull, a dominant force in recent years, appears to face challenges in unlocking the full potential of the RB21, particularly in single-lap speed.
FP2 CLASSIFICATION
McLaren in the box seat heading into the weekend 💪#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/x9Pd2nDjLj
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 11, 2025
Among the newcomers, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes impressed with a fifth-place finish, just 0s722 behind the leader. The Italian, hailed as a future star, displayed confidence in his debut. Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls also turned heads, securing sixth, while Oliver Bearman of Haas cracked the top 10, underscoring the strength of the new generation entering Formula 1.
- McLaren on form: Piastri and Norris posted consistent times, proving the MCL39 suits high-speed tracks like Sakhir.
- Bortoleto shines: The Brazilian outperformed Hulkenberg in his first official outing, delivering a clean and aggressive lap.
- Ferrari in contention: Leclerc and Hamilton traded top times but need fine-tuning to match McLaren.
- Red Bull lagging: Verstappen and Tsunoda failed to challenge for the lead, raising questions about the car’s setup.
Alonso’s steering wheel drama
A peculiar moment stole attention during the session: Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin encountered issues with his steering wheel. Visibly frustrated, the Spaniard yanked the component off mid-session, barking over the radio, “Change the wheel. It’s shutting off!” The team pinpointed a fault in the steering system and made swift repairs, allowing Alonso to return without further disruption. The two-time champion ended 15th, but his outburst highlighted the intense pressure drivers face in such a competitive field.
Aston Martin, as a whole, had a lackluster session. Lance Stroll, Alonso’s teammate, finished 19th, exposing the AMR25’s struggles to keep up with the leaders. The British outfit, which poured significant resources into 2025, faces urgent work to avoid slipping behind in the midfield. Meanwhile, drivers like Alexander Albon of Williams and Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls showed reliability, placing 11th and 12th, respectively.
Track conditions added another layer of complexity. High temperatures and persistent winds led to mistakes from several drivers, including Norris and Russell. Norris locked his front tires at Turn 10, while Russell went wide at a braking zone, though both recovered without incident. These errors highlight the challenge of dialing in the cars on Sakhir’s demanding layout, which blends long straights with technical corners.
Follow the lights, George!
Russell takes a little detour at Turn 10 #F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/gWcyfPNGb0
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 11, 2025
Bortoleto grabs attention
Gabriel Bortoleto, making his official debut, emerged as one of the day’s surprises. The Brazilian, who claimed the 2023 Formula 3 title, displayed maturity behind the wheel of the Sauber at a challenging circuit. His 1m31s772 lap placed him ahead of veterans like Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon of Haas. Given Sauber’s position outside the top teams, Bortoleto’s performance carries extra weight.
At one point, Bortoleto climbed to fifth, a remarkable feat for a rookie. Though he slipped to 13th by the session’s end, his consistency and communication with the team drew praise. The Brazilian managed the soft tires well, a critical skill on Sakhir’s abrasive surface. For Brazilian fans, Bortoleto’s outing sparks hope of a new star in Formula 1, a rarity since Felipe Massa’s era.
His edge over Hulkenberg, a driver with over 200 races, speaks volumes about his potential. While Bortoleto seized his chance, Hulkenberg grappled with the Sauber, finishing nearly two seconds off the pace. With Audi’s takeover looming in 2026, Sauber sees Bortoleto as a cornerstone for its future ambitions.
Tight midfield battle
The session also revealed a fiercely competitive midfield for 2025. Teams like Williams, Racing Bulls, and Alpine posted similar times, with gaps measured in hundredths of a second. Alexander Albon, for instance, was just 0s010 ahead of Liam Lawson, while Jack Doohan of Alpine finished neck-and-neck with Esteban Ocon of Haas. This closeness suggests that fine margins—such as aerodynamic tweaks or tire strategies—will shape race outcomes.
Charles Leclerc, fourth, and Lewis Hamilton, eighth, signaled Ferrari’s potential, though the team hasn’t yet hit its stride. Leclerc trailed Piastri by 0s540, while Hamilton was 1s071 back. The Ferrari duo experimented with different setups, which may explain the gap, but the Italian squad needs adjustments to vie for the lead on Saturday.
Red Bull, meanwhile, had an uncharacteristically quiet day. Verstappen, typically a frontrunner in early sessions, couldn’t break the top six. Yuki Tsunoda, now with the main team, finished 18th, hinting at setup and adaptation issues. In contrast, Racing Bulls shone with Hadjar and Lawson in the top 12, suggesting the sister team could trouble bigger outfits.
- Midfield intensity: Williams, Racing Bulls, and Alpine are separated by fractions of a second.
- Ferrari finding its feet: Leclerc and Hamilton tested setups but remain behind McLaren.
- Red Bull off pace: Verstappen and Tsunoda stayed out of the top 10, raising setup concerns.
- Rookies rising: Antonelli, Hadjar, and Bearman delivered strong debuts.
What Saturday holds
Saturday in Bahrain promises to be pivotal, with the third free practice and qualifying setting the stage for the race. McLaren, led by Piastri and Norris, enters as the team to beat after its Friday dominance. However, Mercedes and Ferrari are likely to respond, with seasoned drivers like Russell, Leclerc, and Hamilton eager to close the gap.
For Bortoleto, the goal is to maintain his momentum and potentially reach Q2. Sauber’s car isn’t built for the front, but the Brazilian has already shown he can maximize its potential. Hulkenberg, meanwhile, faces pressure to rebound and avoid being overshadowed by his rookie teammate.
- Third practice: A chance to fine-tune setups, with soft tires taking center stage.
- Qualifying: The defining moment for the grid, with even faster lap times expected.
- Tire strategy: Sakhir’s high degradation will heavily influence team decisions.
A punishing circuit
Sakhir’s 5.4-km layout tests both car and driver. Its long straights demand engine power, while medium- and low-speed corners challenge aerodynamics and traction. The abrasive asphalt accelerates tire wear, making race strategy critical. On Friday, scorching temperatures and gusty winds raised the stakes, with drivers like Norris and Russell battling to stay on track.
The circuit boasts a storied history in Formula 1. Since its 2004 debut, it has hosted iconic moments, from Fernando Alonso’s 2005 win to Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 triumph. For 2025, new regulations and fresh talent like Bortoleto, Antonelli, and Hadjar promise even tighter racing.
McLaren’s commanding display positions it as a leader in the sport’s new chapter. Piastri, in particular, looks like a title contender, while Norris chases his maiden win. For Brazilian fans, Bortoleto offers hope of a bright future, his steady debut proving his credentials in a cutthroat field.
Rookies in the spotlight
Beyond Bortoleto, other debutants made waves in Bahrain. Kimi Antonelli, stepping into Hamilton’s Mercedes seat, took fifth, blending speed with composure. At just 19, the Italian is seen as a future rival to drivers like Verstappen and Leclerc. His performance suggests Mercedes made a bold but wise choice in fast-tracking him from Formula 2.
Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls also caught the eye. The Frenchman, a Formula 2 race winner in 2024, grabbed sixth, outpacing Verstappen. His quick adaptation to the Racing Bulls car hints at a key role in Red Bull’s plans. Oliver Bearman, driving for Haas, rounded out the rookie trio in the top 10, showcasing reliability in his first official outing.
- Kimi Antonelli: Fifth in his debut, matching Russell’s pace.
- Isack Hadjar: Sixth, exceeding expectations with Racing Bulls.
- Oliver Bearman: Tenth, delivering a steady performance for Haas.
- Gabriel Bortoleto: Thirteenth, earning plaudits for outrunning Hulkenberg.
Veterans under pressure
While rookies dazzled, established names like Verstappen, Alonso, and Hamilton had quieter sessions. Verstappen, the three-time champion, lingered in the midfield, suggesting Red Bull hasn’t nailed its setup. Alonso, post-steering wheel saga, managed only 15th. Hamilton, in his Ferrari debut, took eighth, prioritizing setup tests over outright pace.
Charles Leclerc led Ferrari’s charge in fourth. The Monegasque, still chasing his first title, set a competitive time but needs more to rival McLaren. Carlos Sainz, now with Williams, closed the top 10, hinting at the team’s potential to disrupt the midfield.
The experience of these drivers will be vital come race day, where tire management and pit-stop calls often decide the outcome. Despite Friday’s challenges, Verstappen and Hamilton have a knack for bouncing back, keeping expectations high for the weekend.
A thrilling start to 2025
The Bahrain Grand Prix kicked off the 2025 season, and Friday’s practice sessions offered a taste of what’s to come. McLaren, with Piastri and Norris, holds the upper hand, but Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Racing Bulls have shown flashes of brilliance. In the midfield, Williams, Alpine, and Haas are locked in a tight scrap, with mere tenths separating them.
For Gabriel Bortoleto, 13th place is just the beginning. The Brazilian, dreaming of emulating Ayrton Senna, proved he belongs at the top level. His edge over Hulkenberg, a grid stalwart, marks him as a talent to watch. As Sauber builds toward its Audi future, Bortoleto could be its cornerstone.
Saturday’s qualifying will bring clarity, shaping the grid for Sunday’s race. McLaren remains the favorite, but Sakhir’s heat, wind, and tire wear can upend predictions. For fans, the weekend promises high drama, with rookies and veterans vying for supremacy in a season already brimming with potential.
- McLaren leads: Piastri and Norris set the benchmark, but rivals lurk.
- Bortoleto’s promise: The rookie exceeds expectations in his debut.
- Rookies impress: Antonelli, Hadjar, and Bearman signal a bright future.
- Saturday looms: Qualifying will set the tone for race day.
The Bahrain International Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, witnessed McLaren’s commanding performance at the start of the 2025 season. On Friday, Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in the second free practice session, clocking 1m30s505, cementing the British team as a frontrunner for the weekend. Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate, followed closely in second, just 0s154 behind, securing a McLaren one-two that fuels optimism for a competitive year. George Russell of Mercedes rounded out the top three, but his gap of over half a second to the leader underscored McLaren’s edge.
The session was packed with action. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari kicked things off with a 1m33s347 lap, only to be overtaken by Pierre Gasly’s 1m32s699. Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, briefly claimed the lead with 1m32s157. Yet McLaren’s pace proved unmatched, with Piastri and Norris dominating the timesheets in the closing stages. Their consistency highlights the strides made with the MCL39 car, as the team aims to reclaim its past glory.
A standout performer was Gabriel Bortoleto, the Brazilian rookie with Sauber. Delivering a solid lap, he finished 13th, ahead of his seasoned teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who languished in 20th. Bortoleto’s showing in his first official session as a full-time driver signals a bright future for the 25-year-old, who carries the weight of representing Brazil in the sport.
Early glimpses of 2025
The second free practice in Bahrain offered an initial look at the pecking order for the new season. Beyond McLaren, teams like Mercedes and Ferrari showed promise, but Max Verstappen of Red Bull struggled to find his rhythm, ending seventh, 0s825 off Piastri’s pace. Red Bull, a dominant force in recent years, appears to face challenges in unlocking the full potential of the RB21, particularly in single-lap speed.
FP2 CLASSIFICATION
McLaren in the box seat heading into the weekend 💪#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/x9Pd2nDjLj
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 11, 2025
Among the newcomers, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes impressed with a fifth-place finish, just 0s722 behind the leader. The Italian, hailed as a future star, displayed confidence in his debut. Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls also turned heads, securing sixth, while Oliver Bearman of Haas cracked the top 10, underscoring the strength of the new generation entering Formula 1.
- McLaren on form: Piastri and Norris posted consistent times, proving the MCL39 suits high-speed tracks like Sakhir.
- Bortoleto shines: The Brazilian outperformed Hulkenberg in his first official outing, delivering a clean and aggressive lap.
- Ferrari in contention: Leclerc and Hamilton traded top times but need fine-tuning to match McLaren.
- Red Bull lagging: Verstappen and Tsunoda failed to challenge for the lead, raising questions about the car’s setup.
Alonso’s steering wheel drama
A peculiar moment stole attention during the session: Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin encountered issues with his steering wheel. Visibly frustrated, the Spaniard yanked the component off mid-session, barking over the radio, “Change the wheel. It’s shutting off!” The team pinpointed a fault in the steering system and made swift repairs, allowing Alonso to return without further disruption. The two-time champion ended 15th, but his outburst highlighted the intense pressure drivers face in such a competitive field.
Aston Martin, as a whole, had a lackluster session. Lance Stroll, Alonso’s teammate, finished 19th, exposing the AMR25’s struggles to keep up with the leaders. The British outfit, which poured significant resources into 2025, faces urgent work to avoid slipping behind in the midfield. Meanwhile, drivers like Alexander Albon of Williams and Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls showed reliability, placing 11th and 12th, respectively.
Track conditions added another layer of complexity. High temperatures and persistent winds led to mistakes from several drivers, including Norris and Russell. Norris locked his front tires at Turn 10, while Russell went wide at a braking zone, though both recovered without incident. These errors highlight the challenge of dialing in the cars on Sakhir’s demanding layout, which blends long straights with technical corners.
Follow the lights, George!
Russell takes a little detour at Turn 10 #F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/gWcyfPNGb0
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 11, 2025
Bortoleto grabs attention
Gabriel Bortoleto, making his official debut, emerged as one of the day’s surprises. The Brazilian, who claimed the 2023 Formula 3 title, displayed maturity behind the wheel of the Sauber at a challenging circuit. His 1m31s772 lap placed him ahead of veterans like Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon of Haas. Given Sauber’s position outside the top teams, Bortoleto’s performance carries extra weight.
At one point, Bortoleto climbed to fifth, a remarkable feat for a rookie. Though he slipped to 13th by the session’s end, his consistency and communication with the team drew praise. The Brazilian managed the soft tires well, a critical skill on Sakhir’s abrasive surface. For Brazilian fans, Bortoleto’s outing sparks hope of a new star in Formula 1, a rarity since Felipe Massa’s era.
His edge over Hulkenberg, a driver with over 200 races, speaks volumes about his potential. While Bortoleto seized his chance, Hulkenberg grappled with the Sauber, finishing nearly two seconds off the pace. With Audi’s takeover looming in 2026, Sauber sees Bortoleto as a cornerstone for its future ambitions.
Tight midfield battle
The session also revealed a fiercely competitive midfield for 2025. Teams like Williams, Racing Bulls, and Alpine posted similar times, with gaps measured in hundredths of a second. Alexander Albon, for instance, was just 0s010 ahead of Liam Lawson, while Jack Doohan of Alpine finished neck-and-neck with Esteban Ocon of Haas. This closeness suggests that fine margins—such as aerodynamic tweaks or tire strategies—will shape race outcomes.
Charles Leclerc, fourth, and Lewis Hamilton, eighth, signaled Ferrari’s potential, though the team hasn’t yet hit its stride. Leclerc trailed Piastri by 0s540, while Hamilton was 1s071 back. The Ferrari duo experimented with different setups, which may explain the gap, but the Italian squad needs adjustments to vie for the lead on Saturday.
Red Bull, meanwhile, had an uncharacteristically quiet day. Verstappen, typically a frontrunner in early sessions, couldn’t break the top six. Yuki Tsunoda, now with the main team, finished 18th, hinting at setup and adaptation issues. In contrast, Racing Bulls shone with Hadjar and Lawson in the top 12, suggesting the sister team could trouble bigger outfits.
- Midfield intensity: Williams, Racing Bulls, and Alpine are separated by fractions of a second.
- Ferrari finding its feet: Leclerc and Hamilton tested setups but remain behind McLaren.
- Red Bull off pace: Verstappen and Tsunoda stayed out of the top 10, raising setup concerns.
- Rookies rising: Antonelli, Hadjar, and Bearman delivered strong debuts.
What Saturday holds
Saturday in Bahrain promises to be pivotal, with the third free practice and qualifying setting the stage for the race. McLaren, led by Piastri and Norris, enters as the team to beat after its Friday dominance. However, Mercedes and Ferrari are likely to respond, with seasoned drivers like Russell, Leclerc, and Hamilton eager to close the gap.
For Bortoleto, the goal is to maintain his momentum and potentially reach Q2. Sauber’s car isn’t built for the front, but the Brazilian has already shown he can maximize its potential. Hulkenberg, meanwhile, faces pressure to rebound and avoid being overshadowed by his rookie teammate.
- Third practice: A chance to fine-tune setups, with soft tires taking center stage.
- Qualifying: The defining moment for the grid, with even faster lap times expected.
- Tire strategy: Sakhir’s high degradation will heavily influence team decisions.
A punishing circuit
Sakhir’s 5.4-km layout tests both car and driver. Its long straights demand engine power, while medium- and low-speed corners challenge aerodynamics and traction. The abrasive asphalt accelerates tire wear, making race strategy critical. On Friday, scorching temperatures and gusty winds raised the stakes, with drivers like Norris and Russell battling to stay on track.
The circuit boasts a storied history in Formula 1. Since its 2004 debut, it has hosted iconic moments, from Fernando Alonso’s 2005 win to Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 triumph. For 2025, new regulations and fresh talent like Bortoleto, Antonelli, and Hadjar promise even tighter racing.
McLaren’s commanding display positions it as a leader in the sport’s new chapter. Piastri, in particular, looks like a title contender, while Norris chases his maiden win. For Brazilian fans, Bortoleto offers hope of a bright future, his steady debut proving his credentials in a cutthroat field.
Rookies in the spotlight
Beyond Bortoleto, other debutants made waves in Bahrain. Kimi Antonelli, stepping into Hamilton’s Mercedes seat, took fifth, blending speed with composure. At just 19, the Italian is seen as a future rival to drivers like Verstappen and Leclerc. His performance suggests Mercedes made a bold but wise choice in fast-tracking him from Formula 2.
Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls also caught the eye. The Frenchman, a Formula 2 race winner in 2024, grabbed sixth, outpacing Verstappen. His quick adaptation to the Racing Bulls car hints at a key role in Red Bull’s plans. Oliver Bearman, driving for Haas, rounded out the rookie trio in the top 10, showcasing reliability in his first official outing.
- Kimi Antonelli: Fifth in his debut, matching Russell’s pace.
- Isack Hadjar: Sixth, exceeding expectations with Racing Bulls.
- Oliver Bearman: Tenth, delivering a steady performance for Haas.
- Gabriel Bortoleto: Thirteenth, earning plaudits for outrunning Hulkenberg.
Veterans under pressure
While rookies dazzled, established names like Verstappen, Alonso, and Hamilton had quieter sessions. Verstappen, the three-time champion, lingered in the midfield, suggesting Red Bull hasn’t nailed its setup. Alonso, post-steering wheel saga, managed only 15th. Hamilton, in his Ferrari debut, took eighth, prioritizing setup tests over outright pace.
Charles Leclerc led Ferrari’s charge in fourth. The Monegasque, still chasing his first title, set a competitive time but needs more to rival McLaren. Carlos Sainz, now with Williams, closed the top 10, hinting at the team’s potential to disrupt the midfield.
The experience of these drivers will be vital come race day, where tire management and pit-stop calls often decide the outcome. Despite Friday’s challenges, Verstappen and Hamilton have a knack for bouncing back, keeping expectations high for the weekend.
A thrilling start to 2025
The Bahrain Grand Prix kicked off the 2025 season, and Friday’s practice sessions offered a taste of what’s to come. McLaren, with Piastri and Norris, holds the upper hand, but Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Racing Bulls have shown flashes of brilliance. In the midfield, Williams, Alpine, and Haas are locked in a tight scrap, with mere tenths separating them.
For Gabriel Bortoleto, 13th place is just the beginning. The Brazilian, dreaming of emulating Ayrton Senna, proved he belongs at the top level. His edge over Hulkenberg, a grid stalwart, marks him as a talent to watch. As Sauber builds toward its Audi future, Bortoleto could be its cornerstone.
Saturday’s qualifying will bring clarity, shaping the grid for Sunday’s race. McLaren remains the favorite, but Sakhir’s heat, wind, and tire wear can upend predictions. For fans, the weekend promises high drama, with rookies and veterans vying for supremacy in a season already brimming with potential.
- McLaren leads: Piastri and Norris set the benchmark, but rivals lurk.
- Bortoleto’s promise: The rookie exceeds expectations in his debut.
- Rookies impress: Antonelli, Hadjar, and Bearman signal a bright future.
- Saturday looms: Qualifying will set the tone for race day.
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