The 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix promises to be thrilling right from qualifying, with an exceptional performance from Oscar Piastri. The Australian driver from McLaren set a blistering time of 1:29.841, earning him his second career pole position, right on his 50th Formula 1 start. (Can you imagine the pressure? I’d probably be nibbling my fingernails in the cockpit!)
Behind Piastri, Mercedes driver George Russell secured second place, just 0.168 seconds behind. Charles Leclerc completes the top 3 with his Ferrari. Italian rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli impresses by placing his Mercedes in fourth position, followed closely by Pierre Gasly and his Alpine.
Championship Leader Norris Only Sixth in Qualifying
Lando Norris, Piastri’s teammate and current championship leader, could only manage sixth place. A small hit to morale perhaps, but nothing is decided yet! Max Verstappen, trailing him in the overall standings by just one point, will start right behind him in seventh position with his Red Bull.
Incident for Ocon, Disappointment for Lawson and Albon
The qualifying session was marked by a red flag in Q2, following an accident involving Esteban Ocon. Fortunately, more fear than harm as the driver emerged unscathed from his car. On the disappointment front, rookie Jack Doohan will start 11th with his Alpine, while Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and Alex Albon (Williams) will launch from 17th and 16th places on the grid respectively.
McLaren in Form, Gap Narrowing in the Championship
With this pole position, Piastri is ideally placed to chip away at the 13-point gap separating him from his teammate Norris in the drivers’ standings. McLaren has dominated free practice, with Piastri setting the best time in the final session ahead of Norris. Plenty of reasons to approach the race with confidence!
See You Sunday for a Breathtaking Grand Prix
On Sunday, the lights will go out at 6 PM local time (make note, so you don’t miss the start!) to begin the 57 laps of this 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix. On the technical and demanding Sakhir circuit and its 5.412 kilometers, overtaking and unexpected twists should be plentiful. So, who among Piastri, Norris, or Verstappen will be the big winner of the weekend? We’ll have the answer in just a few hours!
