By rikififi90 
The Bahrain Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, delivered a masterclass from Oscar Piastri, who claimed a commanding victory from pole position at the Sakhir circuit. The McLaren driver led every lap under the desert floodlights, securing his second career win and vaulting to the top of the drivers’ championship. The race was packed with drama, from daring overtakes to strategic battles, with George Russell of Mercedes finishing second and Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate, rounding out the podium in third. Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, struggled to a last-place finish but gained valuable experience in his debut season. The event showcased why F1 remains a global spectacle, with Piastri’s triumph setting the tone for a fiercely competitive year.
Piastri’s path to victory began with a flawless performance in practice and qualifying. The 24-year-old Australian topped the timesheets in both free practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, signaling McLaren’s pace on the abrasive Sakhir track. In qualifying, he edged out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell with a pinpoint lap, securing his second pole of the season. The race itself demanded more than raw speed—tire management, pit-stop timing, and composure under pressure were critical over the 57 laps. Piastri navigated these challenges expertly, fending off Russell’s advances and building a gap in the closing stages to cross the finish line unchallenged.
Lando Norris, starting from sixth, faced a tougher road. The Briton made a blistering start, jumping to third by the first corner, but a five-second penalty for a grid positioning error hampered his strategy. Undeterred, Norris delivered one of the race’s standout moments with a bold outside move on Leclerc at Turn 1 on lap 50, securing third place. Despite the podium, he lost the championship lead to Piastri, intensifying the intra-team rivalry at McLaren. Norris’s resilience, coupled with his knack for seizing opportunities, kept him firmly in the title hunt as the season progresses.
For Brazilian fans, Gabriel Bortoleto’s presence added intrigue. The 20-year-old, fresh off a dominant Formula 2 title in 2024, faced a steep learning curve with Sauber, the grid’s least competitive team. Starting 18th, he slipped to the back after an extra pit stop during a safety car period. Though the result was disappointing, Bortoleto’s pace in practice—where he briefly ran as high as 13th—hinted at his potential. His debut season is about growth, and the Sakhir experience will serve as a foundation for future races.
- Key moments from the Bahrain GP:
- Oscar Piastri: Led from start to finish, claimed fastest lap.
- Lando Norris: Overcame penalty with daring Leclerc overtake.
- George Russell: Held second despite DRS and GPS issues.
OSCAR ON POINT!!! 🫵
PIASTRI WINS THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 🎉#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/yQxyddUfPT
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2025
Piastri’s commanding display
Oscar Piastri arrived in Bahrain marking his 50th Formula 1 race, and he celebrated in style. From the opening practice session, he showcased McLaren’s strength, consistently setting the pace on a track known for its demanding layout. His pole lap, a blend of precision and aggression, gave him the edge over Leclerc, who trailed by just two tenths. On race day, Piastri converted that advantage into a dominant performance, never relinquishing the lead despite pressure from Russell, who closed to within 1.9 seconds at one point.
McLaren’s strategy was key to Piastri’s success. Starting on medium tires, he executed two clean pit stops, switching to hards and then back to mediums to maintain grip on the abrasive surface. His ability to manage tire wear while pushing hard allowed him to pull away in the final laps, securing the win and the bonus point for fastest lap. The victory marked McLaren’s second triumph of 2025, reinforcing their status as frontrunners in both championships.
Off the track, Piastri’s calm demeanor stood out. He praised his team’s preparation and highlighted the car’s versatility, which suited Sakhir’s mix of high-speed straights and technical corners. Now leading the drivers’ standings, Piastri faces the challenge of fending off Norris and Leclerc, but his Bahrain performance sent a clear message: the young Australian is a serious title contender at just 24 years old.
Podium battles ignite Sakhir
While Piastri cruised out front, the fight for the remaining podium spots electrified the crowd. George Russell, starting second, grappled with technical gremlins in his Mercedes, including a malfunctioning DRS system and a faulty GPS that briefly showed him in last place on the official broadcast. Despite these setbacks, Russell’s defensive driving shone through, particularly in the final laps when Norris, on fresher tires, pushed hard for second. The Briton held firm, securing vital points for Mercedes in their bid to close the gap to McLaren.
Lando Norris provided the race’s most thrilling highlight. After a strong start, he battled Leclerc for much of the race, with the Ferrari driver holding third on harder tires. Norris, running on mediums, waited for his moment and struck on lap 50, diving outside Leclerc at Turn 1 in a move that drew gasps from the stands. The overtake, executed with surgical precision, showcased Norris’s raw talent, though his earlier penalty cost him a shot at second. His third-place finish kept him within striking distance of Piastri in the championship.
Charles Leclerc, starting third, had a mixed day for Ferrari. A sluggish start dropped him to fourth, but clever tire strategy—opting for hards early—briefly put him in the lead after others pitted. Leclerc held off Norris for as long as he could, but the McLaren’s pace proved too much. Finishing fourth, Leclerc remained a consistent threat, with Ferrari banking solid points to stay in the constructors’ fight. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, climbed from ninth to fifth, adding to Ferrari’s haul with a series of sharp overtakes.
🏁 END OF RACE 🏁
TOP 10
Piastri
Russell
Norris
Leclerc
Hamilton
Verstappen
Gasly
Ocon
Tsunoda
Bearman#F1 #BahrainGP— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2025
Bortoleto’s baptism of fire
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Formula 1 debut season continued to test his resolve in Bahrain. Driving for Sauber, a team hampered by a lack of pace and resources, the Brazilian started 18th after a challenging qualifying session. His race was further compromised by a risky tire strategy and an extra stop during the safety car, which dropped him to last. Despite the result, Bortoleto’s weekend wasn’t without promise—his 13th-place in the second practice session showed glimpses of speed that could emerge with a better car.
The Sauber’s limitations were evident throughout the weekend. Bortoleto struggled with understeer and tire degradation, issues that plagued the team’s performance on Sakhir’s abrasive surface. Yet, the Brazilian remained upbeat, focusing on the lessons learned. At 20, he’s the youngest driver on the grid and one of the least experienced, making his adaptation to F1’s complexities a work in progress. Fans remain hopeful that upgrades to the Sauber car will give him a chance to shine later in the season.
Elsewhere, another Brazilian made headlines in Bahrain. Rafael Câmara, racing in Formula 3, won the second race of the weekend from pole, strengthening his lead in the junior category. The 19-year-old’s success underscored Brazil’s emerging talent pool, offering a silver lining for fans disappointed by Bortoleto’s F1 result. Câmara’s victory, coupled with Bortoleto’s presence, signals a bright future for Brazilian motorsport.
- Bahrain GP by the numbers:
- Race distance: 308.405 km over 57 laps.
- Average pit stops: 2.3 per driver.
- Safety car deployment: Lap 44, triggered by debris.
Tire strategies shape the outcome
Tire choices played a pivotal role in Bahrain’s outcome. Most drivers, including Piastri and Russell, started on soft tires to maximize early grip, while Leclerc, Hamilton, and Bortoleto opted for mediums, banking on longer stints. McLaren’s decision to cycle Piastri through mediums and hards paid dividends, giving him the edge in the final laps. Norris, despite his penalty, benefited from a late switch to fresher mediums, which fueled his charge past Leclerc.
The safety car on lap 44, prompted by debris from a clash between Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda, scrambled strategies. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly gambled by staying out on hards, briefly running as high as sixth, but faded to seventh as his tires degraded. Ferrari capitalized on the safety car for quick stops, boosting Hamilton and Leclerc up the order. Mercedes, meanwhile, faced criticism from Russell, who felt the team’s choice of worn softs late in the race compromised his defense against Norris.
Penalties added another layer of intrigue. Sainz, driving for Williams, received a 10-second penalty for forcing a rival off the track, damaging his car and forcing him to retire. Liam Lawson of RB accumulated two penalties for collisions, while Norris’s five-second sanction for his grid error shaped his pit-stop plan. These incidents highlighted the fine margins that define modern F1 racing.
Team performances under the spotlight
McLaren emerged as Bahrain’s biggest winner, cementing their dominance with a one-three finish. Piastri and Norris’s synergy, combined with the MCL39’s versatility, has made the team a force to be reckoned with. Their lead in the constructors’ championship widened, putting pressure on rivals to respond. The dynamic between Piastri and Norris—competitive yet respectful—promises more fireworks as the season unfolds.
Mercedes showed progress with Russell’s podium, but inconsistencies lingered. The team’s technical issues, particularly with Russell’s DRS, raised questions about reliability. Rookie Kimi Antonelli, starting seventh, faded to outside the points, suggesting he’s still finding his feet. Ferrari, with Leclerc and Hamilton in the top five, delivered a steady performance but lacked the outright pace to challenge McLaren. Hamilton’s overtakes on Verstappen and Jack Doohan were a reminder of his enduring skill.
Alpine impressed with Gasly and Doohan scoring points, a coup for the midfield team. RBR, however, endured a torrid weekend. Max Verstappen, starting eighth, battled overheating issues and finished a distant seventh, a rare off-day for the four-time champion. Sauber remained rooted to the bottom, with Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg unable to break free from the back. Williams also struggled, with Sainz’s retirement compounding their woes.
- Top 10 finishers in Bahrain:
- 1st Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- 2nd George Russell (Mercedes)
- 3rd Lando Norris (McLaren)
- 4th Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- 5th Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- 6th Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- 7th Max Verstappen (RBR)
- 8th Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- 9th Jack Doohan (Alpine)
- 10th Yuki Tsunoda (RBR)
Championship shake-up
Piastri’s victory reshaped the drivers’ championship. Entering Bahrain second in the standings, he overtook Norris to claim the lead, with the gap between them razor-thin. Leclerc remains third, a steady contender, while Russell and Hamilton hover within striking distance. The early season has been unpredictable, with McLaren’s drivers trading blows and Ferrari lurking as a wildcard.
In the constructors’ race, McLaren pulled further ahead, their one-three finish a statement of intent. Ferrari held second, thanks to Leclerc and Hamilton’s consistency, but Mercedes slipped slightly, hampered by Antonelli’s lack of points. RBR’s struggles dropped them to fourth, a shock given their dominance in recent years. Alpine’s double points finish lifted them in the midfield, while Sauber and Williams languished at the bottom.
The next race, the Chinese Grand Prix, looms in two weeks. Shanghai’s flowing corners and long straights will test teams differently, and Piastri will aim to solidify his lead. Norris, eager to reclaim the top spot, and Leclerc, chasing his first win of 2025, will be hot on his heels. For Bortoleto, China offers a fresh chance to extract more from Sauber’s challenging package.
Defining moments of the race
Bahrain produced several unforgettable moments. Norris’s lap-50 overtake on Leclerc, threading his McLaren through the outside of Turn 1, was a masterstroke, earning applause from fans and pundits alike. Russell’s gritty defense against Norris, despite a malfunctioning DRS, showcased his maturity under pressure. Hamilton’s charge through the midfield, passing Verstappen and Doohan with ease, reminded everyone of his pedigree at 40.
The safety car, triggered by Sainz and Tsunoda’s debris-strewn tangle, flipped the race on its head. Gasly’s bold call to stay out briefly paid off, but his fading tires cost him a higher finish. Antonelli’s early overtake on Verstappen, a rare bright spot for the Mercedes rookie, hinted at his potential. These snapshots of brilliance and chaos encapsulated the drama that makes F1 unmissable.
Young drivers also left their mark. Beyond Piastri, Antonelli and Haas’s Oliver Bearman showed flashes of promise, scrapping for positions in the midfield. Bearman, in particular, held his own against more experienced rivals, signaling he’s one to watch. The blend of youth and experience on the 2025 grid is shaping up to be a thrilling mix.
F1’s 2025 roadmap
The 2025 season is heating up, with a packed schedule ahead. After Bahrain, teams head to China for the fifth round, followed by races in Miami and Imola. Each track brings unique challenges, from Shanghai’s aerodynamic demands to Monaco’s tight streets. Bahrain’s tire-wearing surface tested durability, and the lessons learned will shape preparations for the next battles.
- Upcoming 2025 races:
- Chinese GP: April 27, Shanghai.
- Miami GP: May 4, United States.
- Emilia-Romagna GP: May 18, Imola.
- Monaco GP: May 25, Monte Carlo.
Piastri’s rise at McLaren
Oscar Piastri’s Bahrain triumph cemented his status as a Formula 1 star. With a Formula 3 and Formula 2 title already under his belt, the Australian has long been tipped for greatness, and 2025 could be his breakout year. McLaren’s investment in their car, coupled with Piastri’s measured approach, has yielded results, with two wins in four races. His partnership with Norris—dynamic and competitive—has pushed both drivers to new heights.
Away from the cockpit, Piastri’s understated personality contrasts with Norris’s charisma, but their mutual respect fuels McLaren’s success. The team, which last won a drivers’ title with Hamilton in 2008, sees Piastri as a cornerstone of their revival. At 24, with three career wins, he’s on a trajectory that could lead to the top step of the championship podium by year’s end.
McLaren’s orange army was out in force in Bahrain, cheering their drivers to the one-three finish. The team’s consistency—scoring points in every race so far—sets them apart, but the pressure to maintain that form is immense. With Norris just behind in the standings, McLaren’s internal battle could define the title race.
Bortoleto’s long road ahead
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Bahrain outing was a stark reminder of the challenges facing F1 rookies. Sauber’s underperforming car restricted him to the back, and strategic missteps, like the extra pit stop, compounded his struggles. Still, Bortoleto’s brief moments of pace in practice showed he’s not out of his depth. His Formula 2 dominance last year proved his talent, and patience will be key as he navigates Sauber’s limitations.
The Brazilian spends hours in Sauber’s simulator, honing his understanding of the car’s quirks. Tracks like Sakhir, with their unique demands, are steep learning curves, but Bortoleto embraces the challenge. Teammate Nico Hulkenberg, a veteran, has been a valuable guide, offering insights that will pay off as the season progresses. Brazilian fans, eager for a new hero, remain supportive, knowing Bortoleto’s time will come.
China could bring small upgrades for Sauber, potentially giving Bortoleto a chance to fight for higher positions. His focus is on incremental gains—better qualifying laps, cleaner races, and sharper racecraft. The journey to F1’s front is daunting, but Bortoleto’s determination suggests he’s up for the fight.
Bahrain’s lasting impact
The Bahrain Grand Prix reaffirmed Formula 1’s status as a thrilling blend of skill, strategy, and spectacle. Piastri’s wire-to-wire win stole headlines, but the subplots—Norris’s audacious moves, Russell’s resilience, Hamilton’s veteran nous—kept viewers glued to their screens. The Sakhir circuit, glowing under the desert stars, provided a stunning backdrop for a race that had it all.
For Brazil, the weekend was bittersweet. Câmara’s Formula 3 win sparked pride, but Bortoleto’s F1 struggles highlighted the gap between potential and results. Yet, his presence on the grid, alongside global stars, is a step forward for a nation with a rich racing heritage. As the season rolls on, Bortoleto’s progress will be watched closely, with hopes he’ll soon emulate the likes of Senna and Fittipaldi.
Formula 1’s 2025 narrative is taking shape, and Bahrain set the stage for a blockbuster year. Piastri’s rise, McLaren’s resurgence, and the chasing pack’s hunger ensure that every race will bring new twists. With China next, the championship battle is only just beginning, and the desert sands of Sakhir have already left an indelible mark.
LAP 23/57: The running order as we near the halfway point in the race 👀#F1 #BahrainGP https://t.co/9xeDR5DqMg
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2025
The Bahrain Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, delivered a masterclass from Oscar Piastri, who claimed a commanding victory from pole position at the Sakhir circuit. The McLaren driver led every lap under the desert floodlights, securing his second career win and vaulting to the top of the drivers’ championship. The race was packed with drama, from daring overtakes to strategic battles, with George Russell of Mercedes finishing second and Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate, rounding out the podium in third. Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, struggled to a last-place finish but gained valuable experience in his debut season. The event showcased why F1 remains a global spectacle, with Piastri’s triumph setting the tone for a fiercely competitive year.
Piastri’s path to victory began with a flawless performance in practice and qualifying. The 24-year-old Australian topped the timesheets in both free practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, signaling McLaren’s pace on the abrasive Sakhir track. In qualifying, he edged out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell with a pinpoint lap, securing his second pole of the season. The race itself demanded more than raw speed—tire management, pit-stop timing, and composure under pressure were critical over the 57 laps. Piastri navigated these challenges expertly, fending off Russell’s advances and building a gap in the closing stages to cross the finish line unchallenged.
Lando Norris, starting from sixth, faced a tougher road. The Briton made a blistering start, jumping to third by the first corner, but a five-second penalty for a grid positioning error hampered his strategy. Undeterred, Norris delivered one of the race’s standout moments with a bold outside move on Leclerc at Turn 1 on lap 50, securing third place. Despite the podium, he lost the championship lead to Piastri, intensifying the intra-team rivalry at McLaren. Norris’s resilience, coupled with his knack for seizing opportunities, kept him firmly in the title hunt as the season progresses.
For Brazilian fans, Gabriel Bortoleto’s presence added intrigue. The 20-year-old, fresh off a dominant Formula 2 title in 2024, faced a steep learning curve with Sauber, the grid’s least competitive team. Starting 18th, he slipped to the back after an extra pit stop during a safety car period. Though the result was disappointing, Bortoleto’s pace in practice—where he briefly ran as high as 13th—hinted at his potential. His debut season is about growth, and the Sakhir experience will serve as a foundation for future races.
- Key moments from the Bahrain GP:
- Oscar Piastri: Led from start to finish, claimed fastest lap.
- Lando Norris: Overcame penalty with daring Leclerc overtake.
- George Russell: Held second despite DRS and GPS issues.
OSCAR ON POINT!!! 🫵
PIASTRI WINS THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 🎉#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/yQxyddUfPT
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2025
Piastri’s commanding display
Oscar Piastri arrived in Bahrain marking his 50th Formula 1 race, and he celebrated in style. From the opening practice session, he showcased McLaren’s strength, consistently setting the pace on a track known for its demanding layout. His pole lap, a blend of precision and aggression, gave him the edge over Leclerc, who trailed by just two tenths. On race day, Piastri converted that advantage into a dominant performance, never relinquishing the lead despite pressure from Russell, who closed to within 1.9 seconds at one point.
McLaren’s strategy was key to Piastri’s success. Starting on medium tires, he executed two clean pit stops, switching to hards and then back to mediums to maintain grip on the abrasive surface. His ability to manage tire wear while pushing hard allowed him to pull away in the final laps, securing the win and the bonus point for fastest lap. The victory marked McLaren’s second triumph of 2025, reinforcing their status as frontrunners in both championships.
Off the track, Piastri’s calm demeanor stood out. He praised his team’s preparation and highlighted the car’s versatility, which suited Sakhir’s mix of high-speed straights and technical corners. Now leading the drivers’ standings, Piastri faces the challenge of fending off Norris and Leclerc, but his Bahrain performance sent a clear message: the young Australian is a serious title contender at just 24 years old.
Podium battles ignite Sakhir
While Piastri cruised out front, the fight for the remaining podium spots electrified the crowd. George Russell, starting second, grappled with technical gremlins in his Mercedes, including a malfunctioning DRS system and a faulty GPS that briefly showed him in last place on the official broadcast. Despite these setbacks, Russell’s defensive driving shone through, particularly in the final laps when Norris, on fresher tires, pushed hard for second. The Briton held firm, securing vital points for Mercedes in their bid to close the gap to McLaren.
Lando Norris provided the race’s most thrilling highlight. After a strong start, he battled Leclerc for much of the race, with the Ferrari driver holding third on harder tires. Norris, running on mediums, waited for his moment and struck on lap 50, diving outside Leclerc at Turn 1 in a move that drew gasps from the stands. The overtake, executed with surgical precision, showcased Norris’s raw talent, though his earlier penalty cost him a shot at second. His third-place finish kept him within striking distance of Piastri in the championship.
Charles Leclerc, starting third, had a mixed day for Ferrari. A sluggish start dropped him to fourth, but clever tire strategy—opting for hards early—briefly put him in the lead after others pitted. Leclerc held off Norris for as long as he could, but the McLaren’s pace proved too much. Finishing fourth, Leclerc remained a consistent threat, with Ferrari banking solid points to stay in the constructors’ fight. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, climbed from ninth to fifth, adding to Ferrari’s haul with a series of sharp overtakes.
🏁 END OF RACE 🏁
TOP 10
Piastri
Russell
Norris
Leclerc
Hamilton
Verstappen
Gasly
Ocon
Tsunoda
Bearman#F1 #BahrainGP— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2025
Bortoleto’s baptism of fire
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Formula 1 debut season continued to test his resolve in Bahrain. Driving for Sauber, a team hampered by a lack of pace and resources, the Brazilian started 18th after a challenging qualifying session. His race was further compromised by a risky tire strategy and an extra stop during the safety car, which dropped him to last. Despite the result, Bortoleto’s weekend wasn’t without promise—his 13th-place in the second practice session showed glimpses of speed that could emerge with a better car.
The Sauber’s limitations were evident throughout the weekend. Bortoleto struggled with understeer and tire degradation, issues that plagued the team’s performance on Sakhir’s abrasive surface. Yet, the Brazilian remained upbeat, focusing on the lessons learned. At 20, he’s the youngest driver on the grid and one of the least experienced, making his adaptation to F1’s complexities a work in progress. Fans remain hopeful that upgrades to the Sauber car will give him a chance to shine later in the season.
Elsewhere, another Brazilian made headlines in Bahrain. Rafael Câmara, racing in Formula 3, won the second race of the weekend from pole, strengthening his lead in the junior category. The 19-year-old’s success underscored Brazil’s emerging talent pool, offering a silver lining for fans disappointed by Bortoleto’s F1 result. Câmara’s victory, coupled with Bortoleto’s presence, signals a bright future for Brazilian motorsport.
- Bahrain GP by the numbers:
- Race distance: 308.405 km over 57 laps.
- Average pit stops: 2.3 per driver.
- Safety car deployment: Lap 44, triggered by debris.
Tire strategies shape the outcome
Tire choices played a pivotal role in Bahrain’s outcome. Most drivers, including Piastri and Russell, started on soft tires to maximize early grip, while Leclerc, Hamilton, and Bortoleto opted for mediums, banking on longer stints. McLaren’s decision to cycle Piastri through mediums and hards paid dividends, giving him the edge in the final laps. Norris, despite his penalty, benefited from a late switch to fresher mediums, which fueled his charge past Leclerc.
The safety car on lap 44, prompted by debris from a clash between Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda, scrambled strategies. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly gambled by staying out on hards, briefly running as high as sixth, but faded to seventh as his tires degraded. Ferrari capitalized on the safety car for quick stops, boosting Hamilton and Leclerc up the order. Mercedes, meanwhile, faced criticism from Russell, who felt the team’s choice of worn softs late in the race compromised his defense against Norris.
Penalties added another layer of intrigue. Sainz, driving for Williams, received a 10-second penalty for forcing a rival off the track, damaging his car and forcing him to retire. Liam Lawson of RB accumulated two penalties for collisions, while Norris’s five-second sanction for his grid error shaped his pit-stop plan. These incidents highlighted the fine margins that define modern F1 racing.
Team performances under the spotlight
McLaren emerged as Bahrain’s biggest winner, cementing their dominance with a one-three finish. Piastri and Norris’s synergy, combined with the MCL39’s versatility, has made the team a force to be reckoned with. Their lead in the constructors’ championship widened, putting pressure on rivals to respond. The dynamic between Piastri and Norris—competitive yet respectful—promises more fireworks as the season unfolds.
Mercedes showed progress with Russell’s podium, but inconsistencies lingered. The team’s technical issues, particularly with Russell’s DRS, raised questions about reliability. Rookie Kimi Antonelli, starting seventh, faded to outside the points, suggesting he’s still finding his feet. Ferrari, with Leclerc and Hamilton in the top five, delivered a steady performance but lacked the outright pace to challenge McLaren. Hamilton’s overtakes on Verstappen and Jack Doohan were a reminder of his enduring skill.
Alpine impressed with Gasly and Doohan scoring points, a coup for the midfield team. RBR, however, endured a torrid weekend. Max Verstappen, starting eighth, battled overheating issues and finished a distant seventh, a rare off-day for the four-time champion. Sauber remained rooted to the bottom, with Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg unable to break free from the back. Williams also struggled, with Sainz’s retirement compounding their woes.
- Top 10 finishers in Bahrain:
- 1st Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- 2nd George Russell (Mercedes)
- 3rd Lando Norris (McLaren)
- 4th Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- 5th Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- 6th Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- 7th Max Verstappen (RBR)
- 8th Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- 9th Jack Doohan (Alpine)
- 10th Yuki Tsunoda (RBR)
Championship shake-up
Piastri’s victory reshaped the drivers’ championship. Entering Bahrain second in the standings, he overtook Norris to claim the lead, with the gap between them razor-thin. Leclerc remains third, a steady contender, while Russell and Hamilton hover within striking distance. The early season has been unpredictable, with McLaren’s drivers trading blows and Ferrari lurking as a wildcard.
In the constructors’ race, McLaren pulled further ahead, their one-three finish a statement of intent. Ferrari held second, thanks to Leclerc and Hamilton’s consistency, but Mercedes slipped slightly, hampered by Antonelli’s lack of points. RBR’s struggles dropped them to fourth, a shock given their dominance in recent years. Alpine’s double points finish lifted them in the midfield, while Sauber and Williams languished at the bottom.
The next race, the Chinese Grand Prix, looms in two weeks. Shanghai’s flowing corners and long straights will test teams differently, and Piastri will aim to solidify his lead. Norris, eager to reclaim the top spot, and Leclerc, chasing his first win of 2025, will be hot on his heels. For Bortoleto, China offers a fresh chance to extract more from Sauber’s challenging package.
Defining moments of the race
Bahrain produced several unforgettable moments. Norris’s lap-50 overtake on Leclerc, threading his McLaren through the outside of Turn 1, was a masterstroke, earning applause from fans and pundits alike. Russell’s gritty defense against Norris, despite a malfunctioning DRS, showcased his maturity under pressure. Hamilton’s charge through the midfield, passing Verstappen and Doohan with ease, reminded everyone of his pedigree at 40.
The safety car, triggered by Sainz and Tsunoda’s debris-strewn tangle, flipped the race on its head. Gasly’s bold call to stay out briefly paid off, but his fading tires cost him a higher finish. Antonelli’s early overtake on Verstappen, a rare bright spot for the Mercedes rookie, hinted at his potential. These snapshots of brilliance and chaos encapsulated the drama that makes F1 unmissable.
Young drivers also left their mark. Beyond Piastri, Antonelli and Haas’s Oliver Bearman showed flashes of promise, scrapping for positions in the midfield. Bearman, in particular, held his own against more experienced rivals, signaling he’s one to watch. The blend of youth and experience on the 2025 grid is shaping up to be a thrilling mix.
F1’s 2025 roadmap
The 2025 season is heating up, with a packed schedule ahead. After Bahrain, teams head to China for the fifth round, followed by races in Miami and Imola. Each track brings unique challenges, from Shanghai’s aerodynamic demands to Monaco’s tight streets. Bahrain’s tire-wearing surface tested durability, and the lessons learned will shape preparations for the next battles.
- Upcoming 2025 races:
- Chinese GP: April 27, Shanghai.
- Miami GP: May 4, United States.
- Emilia-Romagna GP: May 18, Imola.
- Monaco GP: May 25, Monte Carlo.
Piastri’s rise at McLaren
Oscar Piastri’s Bahrain triumph cemented his status as a Formula 1 star. With a Formula 3 and Formula 2 title already under his belt, the Australian has long been tipped for greatness, and 2025 could be his breakout year. McLaren’s investment in their car, coupled with Piastri’s measured approach, has yielded results, with two wins in four races. His partnership with Norris—dynamic and competitive—has pushed both drivers to new heights.
Away from the cockpit, Piastri’s understated personality contrasts with Norris’s charisma, but their mutual respect fuels McLaren’s success. The team, which last won a drivers’ title with Hamilton in 2008, sees Piastri as a cornerstone of their revival. At 24, with three career wins, he’s on a trajectory that could lead to the top step of the championship podium by year’s end.
McLaren’s orange army was out in force in Bahrain, cheering their drivers to the one-three finish. The team’s consistency—scoring points in every race so far—sets them apart, but the pressure to maintain that form is immense. With Norris just behind in the standings, McLaren’s internal battle could define the title race.
Bortoleto’s long road ahead
Gabriel Bortoleto’s Bahrain outing was a stark reminder of the challenges facing F1 rookies. Sauber’s underperforming car restricted him to the back, and strategic missteps, like the extra pit stop, compounded his struggles. Still, Bortoleto’s brief moments of pace in practice showed he’s not out of his depth. His Formula 2 dominance last year proved his talent, and patience will be key as he navigates Sauber’s limitations.
The Brazilian spends hours in Sauber’s simulator, honing his understanding of the car’s quirks. Tracks like Sakhir, with their unique demands, are steep learning curves, but Bortoleto embraces the challenge. Teammate Nico Hulkenberg, a veteran, has been a valuable guide, offering insights that will pay off as the season progresses. Brazilian fans, eager for a new hero, remain supportive, knowing Bortoleto’s time will come.
China could bring small upgrades for Sauber, potentially giving Bortoleto a chance to fight for higher positions. His focus is on incremental gains—better qualifying laps, cleaner races, and sharper racecraft. The journey to F1’s front is daunting, but Bortoleto’s determination suggests he’s up for the fight.
Bahrain’s lasting impact
The Bahrain Grand Prix reaffirmed Formula 1’s status as a thrilling blend of skill, strategy, and spectacle. Piastri’s wire-to-wire win stole headlines, but the subplots—Norris’s audacious moves, Russell’s resilience, Hamilton’s veteran nous—kept viewers glued to their screens. The Sakhir circuit, glowing under the desert stars, provided a stunning backdrop for a race that had it all.
For Brazil, the weekend was bittersweet. Câmara’s Formula 3 win sparked pride, but Bortoleto’s F1 struggles highlighted the gap between potential and results. Yet, his presence on the grid, alongside global stars, is a step forward for a nation with a rich racing heritage. As the season rolls on, Bortoleto’s progress will be watched closely, with hopes he’ll soon emulate the likes of Senna and Fittipaldi.
Formula 1’s 2025 narrative is taking shape, and Bahrain set the stage for a blockbuster year. Piastri’s rise, McLaren’s resurgence, and the chasing pack’s hunger ensure that every race will bring new twists. With China next, the championship battle is only just beginning, and the desert sands of Sakhir have already left an indelible mark.
LAP 23/57: The running order as we near the halfway point in the race 👀#F1 #BahrainGP https://t.co/9xeDR5DqMg
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2025
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