By rikififi90 
Engines roar across the Sakhir desert as the Bahrain International Circuit hosts the fourth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. From April 11 to 13, the Bahrain Grand Prix pits Lando Norris, championship leader with 62 points, against Max Verstappen, trailing by just one point. The race, unfolding on a 5.412-kilometer track, promises thrilling overtakes and bold strategies, with McLaren emerging as the team to beat after dominating practice sessions. Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, also draws attention as he hunts for his first points in the category.
The 2025 Formula 1 season showcases remarkable balance among teams. Norris, behind the wheel for McLaren, holds the lead with consistent results: 25 points in Australia, 19 in China, and 18 in Japan. Verstappen, representing Red Bull, struck back with a commanding win in Japan, heightening their rivalry. Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate, sits third with 49 points, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the top five. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren leads with 111 points, ahead of Mercedes with 75 and Red Bull with 61.
The Sakhir circuit, opened in 2004, is renowned for its long straights and demanding corners, like Turn 10, which tests drivers’ precision. Its artificial lighting, in place since 2014, turns the night race into a visual spectacle, with asphalt glowing under temperatures that may exceed 30°C. Fans in Brazil can catch the action live on Band for free-to-air coverage, Bandsports for comprehensive sessions, and F1 TV for streaming with exclusive camera angles.
McLaren commands practice sessions
McLaren arrived in Bahrain with undeniable momentum, topping the practice sessions. On Saturday morning, Oscar Piastri set the fastest time at 1:31.46, with Lando Norris just 0.858 seconds behind. The British team’s duo replicated their strong pace from the second practice, signaling their car’s suitability to Sakhir’s layout. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third, while Verstappen struggled, posting only the eighth-best time.
McLaren’s practice dominance bolsters its Constructors’ Championship lead. With 111 points, the team has built a sizable gap over Mercedes and Red Bull. Norris and Piastri’s consistency, paired with the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, positions McLaren as the favorite for qualifying and the race. Yet, Formula 1’s unpredictability keeps the field open, with Ferrari and Mercedes poised for potential upsets.
Gabriel Bortoleto, racing for Sauber, finished the third practice in 18th with a 1:34.518 lap. Despite the modest result, the Brazilian showed progress across the weekend, closing the gap to midfield runners. His teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, placed 19th, highlighting Sauber’s struggles on high-speed tracks.
What to expect from qualifying
Saturday’s qualifying session, set for 13:00 Brasília time, will shape the starting grid. In Bahrain, pole position often dictates race pace, as long straights favor those at the front. McLaren, riding high from practice, plans to use soft tires for quick laps, while Red Bull may prioritize race pace with a more cautious setup.
Teams also face the desert’s environmental challenges. Wind-blown sand can reduce grip, particularly in low-speed corners. Turn 10, a downhill left-hander, frequently catches drivers out, reshaping the grid. For Bortoleto, qualifying offers a chance to fight for midfield positions, where Haas and Williams also aim to shine.
- Key qualifying factors:
- McLaren aims to carry practice form into pole contention.
- Verstappen needs a pace boost to challenge Norris.
- Turn 10 demands precision to avoid costly mistakes.
- Desert conditions may force tire strategy adjustments.
Oscar Pole-astri is BACK 🌟
The McLaren star dazzles under the Bahrain lights to secure top spot!#F1 #BahrainGP @Pirellisport pic.twitter.com/FqN8bHP1Ml
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 12, 2025
Rivalry at the championship’s peak
A single point separates Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, making the Bahrain Grand Prix a pivotal moment. Norris has delivered remarkable consistency, scoring heavily in the opening races. His win in Australia and second place in China reflect a driver ready to lead McLaren’s charge. Verstappen, meanwhile, answered with a masterful performance in Japan, fending off McLaren’s pressure to claim victory.
Their rivalry blends contrasting approaches. Norris capitalizes on McLaren’s straight-line speed, while Verstappen relies on his overtaking prowess and aggressive tactics. The fight extends beyond them, with Oscar Piastri at 49 points and George Russell at 45 lurking for opportunities. Mercedes, in particular, showed promise in practice, with Russell and Antonelli in the top five.
Verstappen’s Bahrain record adds intrigue. The Dutchman won in 2023 and 2024, mastering the circuit’s demands. Norris, however, carries momentum from a China podium double with Piastri, boosting McLaren’s confidence. Tire choices and track temperatures will play decisive roles on race day.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s quest for progress
Gabriel Bortoleto faces a steep challenge in Sakhir. The 20-year-old Brazilian, a Formula 1 rookie, has yet to score points but benefits from prior experience at the circuit. He secured wins in Formula 2 and Formula 3 here, giving him an edge. In the first practice, Bortoleto briefly led with soft tires, though Sauber’s technical limitations hampered consistency.
Sauber has struggled, earning just 6 points, all from Australia. The car lacks pace on fast circuits, testing Bortoleto’s patience. Still, he focuses on optimizing performance, tweaking setups to gain ground in the midfield. Brazilian fans rally behind him, hoping he can echo his junior category success.
Felipe Drugovich, another Brazilian, took part in the first practice for Aston Martin, posting the 16th-fastest time. While not racing on Sunday, Drugovich gained valuable track time, aiding the team’s development and reinforcing Brazil’s presence in the sport.
How to follow the Bahrain GP
The Sakhir weekend delivers a packed schedule, with sessions shaping the race’s outcome. Band, Bandsports, and F1 TV offer full coverage, catering to varied fan preferences. Here’s how to watch:
- Band: Airs qualifying on Saturday at 13:00 and the race on Sunday at 12:00, with lively commentary on free-to-air TV.
- Bandsports: Covers every session, from practice to the race, with technical insights for motorsport enthusiasts.
- F1 TV: Streams all activities, offering onboard cameras, replays, and live data for a tailored experience.
F1 TV requires a subscription but supports viewing on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs for flexibility. Band and Bandsports provide accessible options for traditional TV viewers.
Full weekend schedule
The Bahrain Grand Prix spans three action-filled days. Below are the session times, in Brasília time:
- Friday, April 11:
- 08:30: Practice 1 (Bandsports, F1 TV)
- 12:00: Practice 2 (Bandsports, F1 TV)
- Saturday, April 12:
- 09:30: Practice 3 (Bandsports, F1 TV)
- 13:00: Qualifying (Band, Bandsports, F1 TV)
- Sunday, April 13:
- 12:00: Race (Band, F1 TV)
Qualifying sets the grid, with teams pushing limits for position. The 57-lap race promises overtakes in DRS zones and diverse pit-stop strategies.
Why Sakhir stands out
The Bahrain International Circuit blends technical rigor with visual flair. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the 5.412-kilometer track features long straights and varied corners. Turn 10, a descending left, challenges drivers, often sparking race-altering errors. Night racing, introduced in 2014, bathes the desert in light, creating a striking backdrop.
Desert conditions shape performance. High temperatures wear tires, forcing careful pit-stop planning. McLaren favors double stops for pace, while Red Bull may lean conservative. Wind-carried sand adds uncertainty, affecting grip in outer corners.
Lewis Hamilton holds the Bahrain win record with five victories, followed by Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel with three each. The 2025 race, however, feels wide open, with McLaren leading practice and Ferrari eyeing a rebound with Leclerc and Hamilton.
McLaren’s 2025 dominance
McLaren is enjoying a golden run in 2025. The team won two of three races so far: Norris in Australia and Piastri in China, securing a one-two finish. In Japan, they took second and third, pushing Verstappen to the limit. Powered by Mercedes engines, their car excels in aerodynamics and traction, suiting tracks like Sakhir.
The numbers tell the story. McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship with 111 points, including 27 from Australia, 51 from China, and 33 from Japan. Norris and Piastri complement each other, with aggressive starts and steady pace. Their Bahrain practice lead fuels hopes of a first Sakhir win since 2010.
Rivals keep the pressure on. Mercedes, with 75 points, has improved through Russell and Antonelli, while Ferrari, at 35 points, banks on its veteran drivers. Red Bull, with 61 points, leans heavily on Verstappen, as Yuki Tsunoda has yet to score.
Economic and cultural impact
The Bahrain Grand Prix extends beyond racing, boosting the local economy. Since 2004, it has drawn thousands of visitors, filling Manama’s hotels and eateries. The circuit, built rapidly, underscores Bahrain’s aim to be a Middle Eastern sports hub. The race showcases the nation globally, with desert vistas reaching millions.
The event strengthens local infrastructure. Sakhir hosts other races, like endurance events, and trains regional drivers. For fans, the GP offers a chance to see stars like Norris and Verstappen up close, inspiring young motorsport fans across the Gulf.
Ticket sales surged after Verstappen’s Japan win, reflecting the Norris rivalry’s global pull. Band, Bandsports, and F1 TV broadcasts bring Sakhir’s drama to Brazilian homes, bridging continents.
Memorable Bahrain moments
Sakhir has hosted iconic Formula 1 stories. Here are some highlights:
- Night racing debut: In 2014, artificial lights made Bahrain a visual masterpiece.
- Hamilton’s reign: Lewis Hamilton won five times, more than any other driver.
- Leclerc’s milestone: Charles Leclerc earned his first podium here in 2019, aged 21.
- Safety spotlight: Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash showcased the sport’s safety advances.
These moments enrich the 2025 edition, poised to add fresh chapters to Formula 1’s legacy.
Race day outlook
Sunday’s race, starting at 12:00, looms as a season-defining event. The Norris-Verstappen duel, separated by one point, heightens anticipation, with both drivers vying for supremacy. McLaren’s practice edge makes them favorites, but Verstappen’s Sakhir pedigree keeps Red Bull in contention. Ferrari and Mercedes, with top-five practice times, could shake up strategies.
For Bortoleto, the race is a chance to shine. He must overcome Sauber’s limits to compete in the midfield, where Haas and Williams also chase points. Brazilian fans watch closely, rooting for a breakthrough.
Band’s broadcast delivers vibrant commentary, Bandsports dives into technical details, and F1 TV offers immersive data. The Bahrain Grand Prix, with its overtakes and tactics, promises edge-of-the-seat excitement.
Oscar Pole-astri is BACK 🌟
The McLaren star dazzles under the Bahrain lights to secure top spot!#F1 #BahrainGP @Pirellisport pic.twitter.com/FqN8bHP1Ml
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 12, 2025
OSCAR PIASTRI TAKES POLE IN BAHRAIN! 💪
📻 “Yeah baby!” #F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/jthj3f5H8x
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 12, 2025
Engines roar across the Sakhir desert as the Bahrain International Circuit hosts the fourth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. From April 11 to 13, the Bahrain Grand Prix pits Lando Norris, championship leader with 62 points, against Max Verstappen, trailing by just one point. The race, unfolding on a 5.412-kilometer track, promises thrilling overtakes and bold strategies, with McLaren emerging as the team to beat after dominating practice sessions. Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, also draws attention as he hunts for his first points in the category.
The 2025 Formula 1 season showcases remarkable balance among teams. Norris, behind the wheel for McLaren, holds the lead with consistent results: 25 points in Australia, 19 in China, and 18 in Japan. Verstappen, representing Red Bull, struck back with a commanding win in Japan, heightening their rivalry. Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate, sits third with 49 points, followed by Mercedes’ George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the top five. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren leads with 111 points, ahead of Mercedes with 75 and Red Bull with 61.
The Sakhir circuit, opened in 2004, is renowned for its long straights and demanding corners, like Turn 10, which tests drivers’ precision. Its artificial lighting, in place since 2014, turns the night race into a visual spectacle, with asphalt glowing under temperatures that may exceed 30°C. Fans in Brazil can catch the action live on Band for free-to-air coverage, Bandsports for comprehensive sessions, and F1 TV for streaming with exclusive camera angles.
McLaren commands practice sessions
McLaren arrived in Bahrain with undeniable momentum, topping the practice sessions. On Saturday morning, Oscar Piastri set the fastest time at 1:31.46, with Lando Norris just 0.858 seconds behind. The British team’s duo replicated their strong pace from the second practice, signaling their car’s suitability to Sakhir’s layout. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took third, while Verstappen struggled, posting only the eighth-best time.
McLaren’s practice dominance bolsters its Constructors’ Championship lead. With 111 points, the team has built a sizable gap over Mercedes and Red Bull. Norris and Piastri’s consistency, paired with the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, positions McLaren as the favorite for qualifying and the race. Yet, Formula 1’s unpredictability keeps the field open, with Ferrari and Mercedes poised for potential upsets.
Gabriel Bortoleto, racing for Sauber, finished the third practice in 18th with a 1:34.518 lap. Despite the modest result, the Brazilian showed progress across the weekend, closing the gap to midfield runners. His teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, placed 19th, highlighting Sauber’s struggles on high-speed tracks.
What to expect from qualifying
Saturday’s qualifying session, set for 13:00 Brasília time, will shape the starting grid. In Bahrain, pole position often dictates race pace, as long straights favor those at the front. McLaren, riding high from practice, plans to use soft tires for quick laps, while Red Bull may prioritize race pace with a more cautious setup.
Teams also face the desert’s environmental challenges. Wind-blown sand can reduce grip, particularly in low-speed corners. Turn 10, a downhill left-hander, frequently catches drivers out, reshaping the grid. For Bortoleto, qualifying offers a chance to fight for midfield positions, where Haas and Williams also aim to shine.
- Key qualifying factors:
- McLaren aims to carry practice form into pole contention.
- Verstappen needs a pace boost to challenge Norris.
- Turn 10 demands precision to avoid costly mistakes.
- Desert conditions may force tire strategy adjustments.
Oscar Pole-astri is BACK 🌟
The McLaren star dazzles under the Bahrain lights to secure top spot!#F1 #BahrainGP @Pirellisport pic.twitter.com/FqN8bHP1Ml
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 12, 2025
Rivalry at the championship’s peak
A single point separates Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, making the Bahrain Grand Prix a pivotal moment. Norris has delivered remarkable consistency, scoring heavily in the opening races. His win in Australia and second place in China reflect a driver ready to lead McLaren’s charge. Verstappen, meanwhile, answered with a masterful performance in Japan, fending off McLaren’s pressure to claim victory.
Their rivalry blends contrasting approaches. Norris capitalizes on McLaren’s straight-line speed, while Verstappen relies on his overtaking prowess and aggressive tactics. The fight extends beyond them, with Oscar Piastri at 49 points and George Russell at 45 lurking for opportunities. Mercedes, in particular, showed promise in practice, with Russell and Antonelli in the top five.
Verstappen’s Bahrain record adds intrigue. The Dutchman won in 2023 and 2024, mastering the circuit’s demands. Norris, however, carries momentum from a China podium double with Piastri, boosting McLaren’s confidence. Tire choices and track temperatures will play decisive roles on race day.
Gabriel Bortoleto’s quest for progress
Gabriel Bortoleto faces a steep challenge in Sakhir. The 20-year-old Brazilian, a Formula 1 rookie, has yet to score points but benefits from prior experience at the circuit. He secured wins in Formula 2 and Formula 3 here, giving him an edge. In the first practice, Bortoleto briefly led with soft tires, though Sauber’s technical limitations hampered consistency.
Sauber has struggled, earning just 6 points, all from Australia. The car lacks pace on fast circuits, testing Bortoleto’s patience. Still, he focuses on optimizing performance, tweaking setups to gain ground in the midfield. Brazilian fans rally behind him, hoping he can echo his junior category success.
Felipe Drugovich, another Brazilian, took part in the first practice for Aston Martin, posting the 16th-fastest time. While not racing on Sunday, Drugovich gained valuable track time, aiding the team’s development and reinforcing Brazil’s presence in the sport.
How to follow the Bahrain GP
The Sakhir weekend delivers a packed schedule, with sessions shaping the race’s outcome. Band, Bandsports, and F1 TV offer full coverage, catering to varied fan preferences. Here’s how to watch:
- Band: Airs qualifying on Saturday at 13:00 and the race on Sunday at 12:00, with lively commentary on free-to-air TV.
- Bandsports: Covers every session, from practice to the race, with technical insights for motorsport enthusiasts.
- F1 TV: Streams all activities, offering onboard cameras, replays, and live data for a tailored experience.
F1 TV requires a subscription but supports viewing on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs for flexibility. Band and Bandsports provide accessible options for traditional TV viewers.
Full weekend schedule
The Bahrain Grand Prix spans three action-filled days. Below are the session times, in Brasília time:
- Friday, April 11:
- 08:30: Practice 1 (Bandsports, F1 TV)
- 12:00: Practice 2 (Bandsports, F1 TV)
- Saturday, April 12:
- 09:30: Practice 3 (Bandsports, F1 TV)
- 13:00: Qualifying (Band, Bandsports, F1 TV)
- Sunday, April 13:
- 12:00: Race (Band, F1 TV)
Qualifying sets the grid, with teams pushing limits for position. The 57-lap race promises overtakes in DRS zones and diverse pit-stop strategies.
Why Sakhir stands out
The Bahrain International Circuit blends technical rigor with visual flair. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the 5.412-kilometer track features long straights and varied corners. Turn 10, a descending left, challenges drivers, often sparking race-altering errors. Night racing, introduced in 2014, bathes the desert in light, creating a striking backdrop.
Desert conditions shape performance. High temperatures wear tires, forcing careful pit-stop planning. McLaren favors double stops for pace, while Red Bull may lean conservative. Wind-carried sand adds uncertainty, affecting grip in outer corners.
Lewis Hamilton holds the Bahrain win record with five victories, followed by Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel with three each. The 2025 race, however, feels wide open, with McLaren leading practice and Ferrari eyeing a rebound with Leclerc and Hamilton.
McLaren’s 2025 dominance
McLaren is enjoying a golden run in 2025. The team won two of three races so far: Norris in Australia and Piastri in China, securing a one-two finish. In Japan, they took second and third, pushing Verstappen to the limit. Powered by Mercedes engines, their car excels in aerodynamics and traction, suiting tracks like Sakhir.
The numbers tell the story. McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship with 111 points, including 27 from Australia, 51 from China, and 33 from Japan. Norris and Piastri complement each other, with aggressive starts and steady pace. Their Bahrain practice lead fuels hopes of a first Sakhir win since 2010.
Rivals keep the pressure on. Mercedes, with 75 points, has improved through Russell and Antonelli, while Ferrari, at 35 points, banks on its veteran drivers. Red Bull, with 61 points, leans heavily on Verstappen, as Yuki Tsunoda has yet to score.
Economic and cultural impact
The Bahrain Grand Prix extends beyond racing, boosting the local economy. Since 2004, it has drawn thousands of visitors, filling Manama’s hotels and eateries. The circuit, built rapidly, underscores Bahrain’s aim to be a Middle Eastern sports hub. The race showcases the nation globally, with desert vistas reaching millions.
The event strengthens local infrastructure. Sakhir hosts other races, like endurance events, and trains regional drivers. For fans, the GP offers a chance to see stars like Norris and Verstappen up close, inspiring young motorsport fans across the Gulf.
Ticket sales surged after Verstappen’s Japan win, reflecting the Norris rivalry’s global pull. Band, Bandsports, and F1 TV broadcasts bring Sakhir’s drama to Brazilian homes, bridging continents.
Memorable Bahrain moments
Sakhir has hosted iconic Formula 1 stories. Here are some highlights:
- Night racing debut: In 2014, artificial lights made Bahrain a visual masterpiece.
- Hamilton’s reign: Lewis Hamilton won five times, more than any other driver.
- Leclerc’s milestone: Charles Leclerc earned his first podium here in 2019, aged 21.
- Safety spotlight: Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash showcased the sport’s safety advances.
These moments enrich the 2025 edition, poised to add fresh chapters to Formula 1’s legacy.
Race day outlook
Sunday’s race, starting at 12:00, looms as a season-defining event. The Norris-Verstappen duel, separated by one point, heightens anticipation, with both drivers vying for supremacy. McLaren’s practice edge makes them favorites, but Verstappen’s Sakhir pedigree keeps Red Bull in contention. Ferrari and Mercedes, with top-five practice times, could shake up strategies.
For Bortoleto, the race is a chance to shine. He must overcome Sauber’s limits to compete in the midfield, where Haas and Williams also chase points. Brazilian fans watch closely, rooting for a breakthrough.
Band’s broadcast delivers vibrant commentary, Bandsports dives into technical details, and F1 TV offers immersive data. The Bahrain Grand Prix, with its overtakes and tactics, promises edge-of-the-seat excitement.
Oscar Pole-astri is BACK 🌟
The McLaren star dazzles under the Bahrain lights to secure top spot!#F1 #BahrainGP @Pirellisport pic.twitter.com/FqN8bHP1Ml
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 12, 2025
OSCAR PIASTRI TAKES POLE IN BAHRAIN! 💪
📻 “Yeah baby!” #F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/jthj3f5H8x
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 12, 2025
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