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15 Apr 2025, Tue

Bahrain GP ignites F1 with Norris-Verstappen showdown, watch live on Band and F1 TV

Max Verstappen e Lando Norris


Sakhir’s desert came alive from April 11 to 13 as the Bahrain International Circuit hosted the fourth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Bahrain Grand Prix pitted championship leader Lando Norris, with 62 points, against Max Verstappen, trailing by just one point, in a battle poised to shape the year. McLaren, fueled by a practice sweep and Oscar Piastri’s pole position, emerged as the team to beat, while Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, chased his first points. The 5.412-kilometer track, famed for its long straights and tricky corners, delivered a weekend of thrilling overtakes and bold strategies, with live coverage for Brazil via Band, Bandsports, and F1 TV, bringing the night race’s dazzling lights to fans across the globe.

Norris arrived in Bahrain with a strong record: 25 points in Australia, 19 in China, and 18 in Japan. Verstappen countered with a commanding win in Japan, heating up their rivalry. Oscar Piastri, holding third with 49 points, trailed by George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, rounded out the top five. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren led with 111 points, ahead of Mercedes at 75 and Red Bull at 61.

The Sakhir circuit, opened in 2004, blends speed and precision, with corner 10 challenging even the best drivers. Its artificial lighting, in place since 2014, creates a stunning visual under desert skies, though temperatures above 30°C demand careful tire management. Band airs the qualifying and race on free-to-air TV, Bandsports covers every session, and F1 TV streams it all with exclusive camera angles.

Piastri clinched pole in qualifying, posting 1:31.46, with Norris just 0.858 seconds behind. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third, while Verstappen struggled, starting eighth. Bortoleto ended 18th, showing progress but still grappling with Sauber’s limitations.

Standout moments from the weekend

The Bahrain Grand Prix delivered high-octane action and defining performances. Key highlights include:

  • Piastri’s pole: The Australian mastered qualifying, locking in McLaren’s front-row start.
  • Norris’s consistency: The championship leader stayed close, reinforcing his title bid.
  • Verstappen’s challenge: Starting eighth, the Dutchman faces a tough climb to the podium.
  • Bortoleto’s growth: The Brazilian narrowed the gap to midfield rivals despite Sauber’s struggles.

McLaren sets the pace

McLaren rolled into Bahrain firing on all cylinders. In practice, Piastri and Norris traded fastest laps, leaving rivals scrambling. Piastri’s pole on Saturday capped a commanding weekend, with the Australian nailing his soft-tire run to set the benchmark. Norris, right behind, sealed a McLaren one-two, signaling their car’s edge on Sakhir’s long straights and medium-speed corners like turn 10, which demands pinpoint accuracy.

The numbers tell the story of McLaren’s dominance. With 111 points in the Constructors’ Championship, they’ve won two of three races: Norris took Australia, and Piastri led a one-two in China. In Japan, both reached the podium, hounding Verstappen to the flag. Their 36-point lead over Mercedes allows bold moves, like double pit stops, planned to hold the advantage on Sunday.

Charles Leclerc’s third in qualifying keeps Ferrari in the hunt. The Italian team, with 35 points, aims to rebound from a shaky start. Lewis Hamilton, starting seventh, joins Leclerc, while Mercedes, powered by Russell and rookie Antonelli, hit the top five in practice. Red Bull, reliant on Verstappen, battled grip issues, hampering their pace.

Gabriel Bortoleto’s midfield fight

At 20, Gabriel Bortoleto faces a steep learning curve in his F1 debut season. The Brazilian, a Formula 3 champion with Formula 2 wins, has yet to score for Sauber. In Bahrain, he placed 18th in both practice and qualifying, clocking 1:34.518. Still, he shaved time off gaps to drivers like Haas’s Kevin Magnussen and Williams’s Alex Albon, hinting at progress in a car weak on high-speed tracks.

Sauber’s mere 6 points, all from Nico Hulkenberg in Australia, reflect their struggles. The car lacks power for Sakhir’s straights, forcing Bortoleto to lean on setup tweaks for better cornering. His past success at Bahrain in junior series fuels hope, but the midfield battle demands patience.

Felipe Drugovich, another Brazilian, ran in Aston Martin’s first practice, posting the 16th time. Though not racing, the 2022 F2 champion gained crucial track time, aiding the team’s development. His presence underscores Brazil’s growing footprint in F1, even in supporting roles.

Where to watch live

Brazilian fans have plenty of ways to catch the Bahrain Grand Prix live, with coverage tailored to every taste. Band broadcasts qualifying on Saturday at 1 p.m. and the race on Sunday at 12 p.m., delivering high-energy commentary on free TV. Bandsports dives deeper, airing practice, qualifying, and the race with technical breakdowns for diehards. F1 TV takes it further, streaming every session with onboard cameras, replays, and real-time data, perfect for a custom experience.

F1 TV requires a subscription but works on phones, tablets, and smart TVs, offering flexibility to watch anywhere. Band and Bandsports, available free or via cable, suit fans craving traditional broadcasts. Coverage kicks off Friday with practice and peaks with Sunday’s 57-lap race, packed with DRS-zone overtakes and pit-stop battles.

The full schedule, in Brasília time, is:

  • Friday, April 11: Practice 1 at 8:30 a.m.; Practice 2 at 12 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 12: Practice 3 at 9:30 a.m.; Qualifying at 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 13: Race at 12 p.m., covering 57 laps.

The rivalry shaping 2025

Just one point divides Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, making Bahrain a potential turning point. Norris built his lead with steady results: a win in Australia, second in China, and third in Japan. Verstappen struck back in Japan, holding off McLaren’s duo for the win. Their clash pits Norris’s straight-line speed against Verstappen’s knack for bold overtakes and tire management.

Oscar Piastri, with 49 points, adds pressure. Starting from pole, the Australian won in China and podiumed in Japan, syncing perfectly with Norris to challenge Red Bull. George Russell, with 45 points, and Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli keep the German team competitive, while Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton aim to close a 76-point gap to McLaren.

Verstappen’s Bahrain record is formidable, with wins in 2023 and 2024. Yet Norris, backed by McLaren’s flawless weekend, holds the edge. Tire choices—softs for speed versus hards for endurance—will be pivotal under Sakhir’s scorching heat.

Sakhir’s technical demands

Designed by Hermann Tilke, the Bahrain International Circuit tests every facet of car and driver. Its 15 corners, notably the downhill turn 10, reward precision while punishing mistakes. The 1.09-kilometer main straight, one of F1’s longest, fuels DRS-enabled passes. Night racing, launched in 2014, dazzles, but 30°C-plus heat chews through tires, forcing strategic pit stops.

Desert winds scatter sand, cutting grip on outer turns like 1 and 13. McLaren eyes double stops to keep their edge, while Red Bull may bank on a single stop to vault Verstappen forward. Turn 10’s braking zone often sparks errors, reshaping the grid or race order.

Lewis Hamilton owns Bahrain with five wins, followed by Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel at three apiece. This year’s race, with McLaren’s form and Ferrari’s hunger, feels wide open. Bortoleto, despite Sauber’s woes, targets a top-15 finish, banking on rivals’ missteps.

Bahrain’s broader impact

The Bahrain Grand Prix ripples beyond racing, boosting Manama’s economy. Since 2004, it’s drawn thousands, filling hotels and eateries. Built in record time, the circuit showcases Bahrain’s sporting ambitions, with desert vistas broadcast to millions, luring tourists.

Sakhir’s facilities host endurance races and train local drivers, cementing its regional role. For fans, the GP offers a rare chance to see stars like Norris and Leclerc up close, inspiring Gulf youth. Ticket sales spiked after Verstappen’s Japan win, fueled by his duel with Norris.

Live broadcasts bridge Bahrain to Brazil. Band’s high-octane narration, Bandsports’ deep dives, and F1 TV’s immersive streams deliver every angle, uniting fans in their love for speed.

Facts that define the GP

Bahrain’s history brims with iconic moments, adding depth to 2025’s race. Standouts include:

  • Night spectacle: Lighting since 2014 makes Sakhir a visual gem.
  • Hamilton’s reign: Five victories cement his mastery here.
  • Leclerc’s rise: His 2019 podium, at 21, marked a star’s arrival.
  • Safety milestone: Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash spotlighted F1’s safety leaps.

Fan-focused schedule

Sakhir’s weekend keeps fans glued to screens with a packed lineup, in Brasília time:

  • Friday, April 11: Practice 1 at 8:30 a.m.; Practice 2 at 12 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 12: Practice 3 at 9:30 a.m.; Qualifying at 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 13: Race at 12 p.m., spanning 57 laps.

Sunday’s high stakes

Sunday’s race at 12 p.m. could redefine the season. Piastri’s pole gives McLaren the upper hand, but Verstappen’s eighth-place start sets up a potential masterclass in recovery. Norris, from second, aims to cement his lead, while Leclerc and Russell eye podiums. Ferrari’s practice pace hints at a possible upset with sharp pit work.

Bortoleto’s mission is straightforward: squeeze every ounce from Sauber to scrap in the midfield. Brazilian fans rally behind him, hoping for a break past Haas and Williams foes like Magnussen and Albon. The midfield fight promises its own fireworks.

Band brings the race’s pulse to free TV, with commentary that catches every move. Bandsports unpacks the tech for enthusiasts, and F1 TV’s live data immerses viewers in the action. With DRS zones and Bahrain’s twists, the Grand Prix is set to thrill from lights out to checkered flag.



Sakhir’s desert came alive from April 11 to 13 as the Bahrain International Circuit hosted the fourth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Bahrain Grand Prix pitted championship leader Lando Norris, with 62 points, against Max Verstappen, trailing by just one point, in a battle poised to shape the year. McLaren, fueled by a practice sweep and Oscar Piastri’s pole position, emerged as the team to beat, while Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, chased his first points. The 5.412-kilometer track, famed for its long straights and tricky corners, delivered a weekend of thrilling overtakes and bold strategies, with live coverage for Brazil via Band, Bandsports, and F1 TV, bringing the night race’s dazzling lights to fans across the globe.

Norris arrived in Bahrain with a strong record: 25 points in Australia, 19 in China, and 18 in Japan. Verstappen countered with a commanding win in Japan, heating up their rivalry. Oscar Piastri, holding third with 49 points, trailed by George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, rounded out the top five. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren led with 111 points, ahead of Mercedes at 75 and Red Bull at 61.

The Sakhir circuit, opened in 2004, blends speed and precision, with corner 10 challenging even the best drivers. Its artificial lighting, in place since 2014, creates a stunning visual under desert skies, though temperatures above 30°C demand careful tire management. Band airs the qualifying and race on free-to-air TV, Bandsports covers every session, and F1 TV streams it all with exclusive camera angles.

Piastri clinched pole in qualifying, posting 1:31.46, with Norris just 0.858 seconds behind. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third, while Verstappen struggled, starting eighth. Bortoleto ended 18th, showing progress but still grappling with Sauber’s limitations.

Standout moments from the weekend

The Bahrain Grand Prix delivered high-octane action and defining performances. Key highlights include:

  • Piastri’s pole: The Australian mastered qualifying, locking in McLaren’s front-row start.
  • Norris’s consistency: The championship leader stayed close, reinforcing his title bid.
  • Verstappen’s challenge: Starting eighth, the Dutchman faces a tough climb to the podium.
  • Bortoleto’s growth: The Brazilian narrowed the gap to midfield rivals despite Sauber’s struggles.

McLaren sets the pace

McLaren rolled into Bahrain firing on all cylinders. In practice, Piastri and Norris traded fastest laps, leaving rivals scrambling. Piastri’s pole on Saturday capped a commanding weekend, with the Australian nailing his soft-tire run to set the benchmark. Norris, right behind, sealed a McLaren one-two, signaling their car’s edge on Sakhir’s long straights and medium-speed corners like turn 10, which demands pinpoint accuracy.

The numbers tell the story of McLaren’s dominance. With 111 points in the Constructors’ Championship, they’ve won two of three races: Norris took Australia, and Piastri led a one-two in China. In Japan, both reached the podium, hounding Verstappen to the flag. Their 36-point lead over Mercedes allows bold moves, like double pit stops, planned to hold the advantage on Sunday.

Charles Leclerc’s third in qualifying keeps Ferrari in the hunt. The Italian team, with 35 points, aims to rebound from a shaky start. Lewis Hamilton, starting seventh, joins Leclerc, while Mercedes, powered by Russell and rookie Antonelli, hit the top five in practice. Red Bull, reliant on Verstappen, battled grip issues, hampering their pace.

Gabriel Bortoleto’s midfield fight

At 20, Gabriel Bortoleto faces a steep learning curve in his F1 debut season. The Brazilian, a Formula 3 champion with Formula 2 wins, has yet to score for Sauber. In Bahrain, he placed 18th in both practice and qualifying, clocking 1:34.518. Still, he shaved time off gaps to drivers like Haas’s Kevin Magnussen and Williams’s Alex Albon, hinting at progress in a car weak on high-speed tracks.

Sauber’s mere 6 points, all from Nico Hulkenberg in Australia, reflect their struggles. The car lacks power for Sakhir’s straights, forcing Bortoleto to lean on setup tweaks for better cornering. His past success at Bahrain in junior series fuels hope, but the midfield battle demands patience.

Felipe Drugovich, another Brazilian, ran in Aston Martin’s first practice, posting the 16th time. Though not racing, the 2022 F2 champion gained crucial track time, aiding the team’s development. His presence underscores Brazil’s growing footprint in F1, even in supporting roles.

Where to watch live

Brazilian fans have plenty of ways to catch the Bahrain Grand Prix live, with coverage tailored to every taste. Band broadcasts qualifying on Saturday at 1 p.m. and the race on Sunday at 12 p.m., delivering high-energy commentary on free TV. Bandsports dives deeper, airing practice, qualifying, and the race with technical breakdowns for diehards. F1 TV takes it further, streaming every session with onboard cameras, replays, and real-time data, perfect for a custom experience.

F1 TV requires a subscription but works on phones, tablets, and smart TVs, offering flexibility to watch anywhere. Band and Bandsports, available free or via cable, suit fans craving traditional broadcasts. Coverage kicks off Friday with practice and peaks with Sunday’s 57-lap race, packed with DRS-zone overtakes and pit-stop battles.

The full schedule, in Brasília time, is:

  • Friday, April 11: Practice 1 at 8:30 a.m.; Practice 2 at 12 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 12: Practice 3 at 9:30 a.m.; Qualifying at 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 13: Race at 12 p.m., covering 57 laps.

The rivalry shaping 2025

Just one point divides Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, making Bahrain a potential turning point. Norris built his lead with steady results: a win in Australia, second in China, and third in Japan. Verstappen struck back in Japan, holding off McLaren’s duo for the win. Their clash pits Norris’s straight-line speed against Verstappen’s knack for bold overtakes and tire management.

Oscar Piastri, with 49 points, adds pressure. Starting from pole, the Australian won in China and podiumed in Japan, syncing perfectly with Norris to challenge Red Bull. George Russell, with 45 points, and Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli keep the German team competitive, while Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton aim to close a 76-point gap to McLaren.

Verstappen’s Bahrain record is formidable, with wins in 2023 and 2024. Yet Norris, backed by McLaren’s flawless weekend, holds the edge. Tire choices—softs for speed versus hards for endurance—will be pivotal under Sakhir’s scorching heat.

Sakhir’s technical demands

Designed by Hermann Tilke, the Bahrain International Circuit tests every facet of car and driver. Its 15 corners, notably the downhill turn 10, reward precision while punishing mistakes. The 1.09-kilometer main straight, one of F1’s longest, fuels DRS-enabled passes. Night racing, launched in 2014, dazzles, but 30°C-plus heat chews through tires, forcing strategic pit stops.

Desert winds scatter sand, cutting grip on outer turns like 1 and 13. McLaren eyes double stops to keep their edge, while Red Bull may bank on a single stop to vault Verstappen forward. Turn 10’s braking zone often sparks errors, reshaping the grid or race order.

Lewis Hamilton owns Bahrain with five wins, followed by Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel at three apiece. This year’s race, with McLaren’s form and Ferrari’s hunger, feels wide open. Bortoleto, despite Sauber’s woes, targets a top-15 finish, banking on rivals’ missteps.

Bahrain’s broader impact

The Bahrain Grand Prix ripples beyond racing, boosting Manama’s economy. Since 2004, it’s drawn thousands, filling hotels and eateries. Built in record time, the circuit showcases Bahrain’s sporting ambitions, with desert vistas broadcast to millions, luring tourists.

Sakhir’s facilities host endurance races and train local drivers, cementing its regional role. For fans, the GP offers a rare chance to see stars like Norris and Leclerc up close, inspiring Gulf youth. Ticket sales spiked after Verstappen’s Japan win, fueled by his duel with Norris.

Live broadcasts bridge Bahrain to Brazil. Band’s high-octane narration, Bandsports’ deep dives, and F1 TV’s immersive streams deliver every angle, uniting fans in their love for speed.

Facts that define the GP

Bahrain’s history brims with iconic moments, adding depth to 2025’s race. Standouts include:

  • Night spectacle: Lighting since 2014 makes Sakhir a visual gem.
  • Hamilton’s reign: Five victories cement his mastery here.
  • Leclerc’s rise: His 2019 podium, at 21, marked a star’s arrival.
  • Safety milestone: Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash spotlighted F1’s safety leaps.

Fan-focused schedule

Sakhir’s weekend keeps fans glued to screens with a packed lineup, in Brasília time:

  • Friday, April 11: Practice 1 at 8:30 a.m.; Practice 2 at 12 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 12: Practice 3 at 9:30 a.m.; Qualifying at 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 13: Race at 12 p.m., spanning 57 laps.

Sunday’s high stakes

Sunday’s race at 12 p.m. could redefine the season. Piastri’s pole gives McLaren the upper hand, but Verstappen’s eighth-place start sets up a potential masterclass in recovery. Norris, from second, aims to cement his lead, while Leclerc and Russell eye podiums. Ferrari’s practice pace hints at a possible upset with sharp pit work.

Bortoleto’s mission is straightforward: squeeze every ounce from Sauber to scrap in the midfield. Brazilian fans rally behind him, hoping for a break past Haas and Williams foes like Magnussen and Albon. The midfield fight promises its own fireworks.

Band brings the race’s pulse to free TV, with commentary that catches every move. Bandsports unpacks the tech for enthusiasts, and F1 TV’s live data immerses viewers in the action. With DRS zones and Bahrain’s twists, the Grand Prix is set to thrill from lights out to checkered flag.



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