Formula 1 is set to race in Bahrain for the second event of the first triple header of the season. Unlike Suzuka, Bahrain`s circuit is known for providing ample overtaking opportunities.
In the drivers` championship, Max Verstappen has closed the gap to Lando Norris to just one point after three races. However, both Red Bull and Ferrari are striving to catch up with the leading McLaren team.
Expect typical desert conditions throughout the race weekend. The weather forecast predicts hot and sunny days with temperatures reaching highs of 36°C from Friday to Sunday, accompanied by low wind speeds. Night temperatures are expected to cool down to around 22°C.
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Listen to a Bahrain race preview and the latest episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast Unlapped with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson.
Circuit Stats and History
Construction of the Bahrain International Circuit began in 2002. Designed by Hermann Tilke, like Abu Dhabi`s Yas Marina, the Sakhir circuit was created on a blank desert canvas, resulting in a fast, winding track with tight hairpins and numerous passing opportunities.
The track can be challenging due to wind in the open desert and temperature variations throughout the day, especially with the race taking place in the evening.
Bahrain occasionally experiences rain, as seen during preseason testing earlier this year with cool temperatures and light rain.
Ferrari and Mercedes are tied for the most wins here with six each. Ferrari saw victories with Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa in the early years, while Mercedes dominated during the Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton era. A win for Red Bull this weekend would level their count with these teams.
Bahrain Grand Prix Facts
First race: 2004.
Laps: 57 laps of 5.4km. Total distance 308km.
Lap record: 1:31.447, Pedro de la Rosa (2005).
Most wins: Hamilton with five (2014-2015, 2019-2021). Among current drivers, Fernando Alonso has three wins (2005-2006, 2010), Charles Leclerc one (2022), and Verstappen two (2023-2024).
Most poles: Hamilton, Verstappen, and Sebastian Vettel are tied with three each. Current grid drivers Leclerc (2022) and Alonso (2005) have also achieved pole position here.
What makes it special: Since becoming a night race in 2014, leading to cooler race temperatures, the Bahrain International Circuit has provided excellent racing. It was also the first Middle Eastern circuit to host a Formula 1 race in 2004.
Driver Quotes: `It`s a track where you can really push, and it`s great for racing with many overtaking zones.` — Lewis Hamilton.
Last Year`s Race Recap
Red Bull achieved a one-two finish in the previous Bahrain Grand Prix, with Verstappen securing a dominant win and Sergio Perez finishing second, followed by Carlos Sainz in third.
Red Bull also accomplished a clean sweep, claiming pole position, the fastest lap, and the race victory.
Race Predictions
Historically, Bahrain has been a challenging circuit for McLaren. However, they demonstrated strong performance during preseason testing.
McLaren appears to be the team to beat, and Oscar Piastri is particularly motivated to prove his value in the evolving competition against Verstappen.
Championship Standings Overview
Despite securing only one win in the first three races, Max Verstappen is just one point behind Lando Norris, the current leader in the driver`s championship.
McLaren holds a significant lead in the constructors` championship, 36 points ahead of Mercedes, benefiting from consistent performances from both drivers. McLaren was one of only two teams to maintain their driver lineup for 2025, which has contributed to their strong start as other teams work to catch up.
