Formula One preview: Bahrain Grand Prix

Rohan Brown
Apr 9
4 min read

Written by Rohan Brown, Edited by Dhara Dave

Formula One returns to Bahrain for its 21st outing, however, in a slightly different part of the calendar.

This season is shaping up to be one of the best yet in F1’s storied history, with three race winners in the first three Grands Prix. The Bahrain International Circuit promises to add to the tally of thrilling races we have enjoyed so far in the championship’s 75th-anniversary season.

The circuit

Track layout of the Sakhir International Circuit | Image credit - F1

Bahrain is a circuit made up of numerous slower traction zones and fast corners, such as in sector one, where the driver will face a tough traction zone to begin their laps. Not to mention later in sector two, with the infamous turn 10 - one of the more difficult corners on the calendar.

The lap record here is held by Pedro de la Rosa - set 20 years ago in Bahrain’s second year on the F1 calendar.

The circuit’s mix of corners and straights means that it is primed for overtakes - aided by its three DRS (drag reduction system) zones.

In terms of strategy, Bahrain has historically been a two-stop race in recent years.

Storylines

1 - Can Verstappen claim another victory despite having a slower car?

Verstappen demonstrated last time out in Japan he can make the most of any car he is in, winning in a Red Bull that is no longer F1’s dominant force. The flying Dutchman has proven to be a generational talent, but can he make it two on the bounce?

2 - Will Ferrari be able to secure their first podium of the season?

The Scuderia have been steadily improving on their underwhelming beginning to the season. With a 4th and 7th place finish in last week’s Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari will be hoping to improve on that performance as we head to Bahrain. Will they be able to improve this weekend?

3 - Can Lando Norris secure another race victory in F1?

Currently, F1’s drivers’ championship leader, Norris is a leading candidate for victory every weekend. The Briton has established a 100% podium rate up to now. Will he be able to clinch a second victory this season?

4 - Is Oscar Piastri going to beat his teammate to a race victory this weekend?

Whilst Norris has been able to taste major success in his own right, Piastri has also been a competitive teammate and has to be considered a candidate amongst F1’s competitive order. Will he be able to secure victory at Bahrain on Sunday?

5 - How will Yuki Tsunoda fare in his first Bahrain Grand Prix with Red Bull?

Tsunoda enjoyed some success in his first weekend with Red Bull, securing 12th place at his home Grand Prix in Suzuka, his teammate Verstappen has shown recently how the car cannot be ruled out for podiums - and victories too. Can Tsunoda build on his success with Red Bull?

Winner picks

1 - Lando Norris - Norris has become a contender for victory every weekend now, and going into the Bahrain Grand Prix, that is no different. He has a strong car, and has shown the ability to clinch effective race victories in the past - so is a certain top pick for the top step on Sunday.

2 - Oscar Piastri - The Australian driver has displayed in many races that he can control races from beginning to end. With McLaren currently possessing the fastest car on the grid, Piastri is in the best position to capitalise on securing another victory like his teammate Norris.

3 - Max Verstappen - The last race out in Japan proved that the flying Dutchman cannot be written off at all - Verstappen has seemingly been able to extract the best pace out of a car that has proven undrivable for his former Red Bull teammate Liam Lawson. Therefore Verstappen is a driver who has shown time and time again that he can produce strong results without the best car. Certainly, a driver who is always a winner, no matter the situation.

Event Notes

Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti will be driving in free practice one for the Brackley-based outfit, driving George Russell’s car for the session.

Luke Browning will also be driving in free practice one for Williams Racing, replacing Carlos Sainz for the session.

Past Winners

Max Verstappen has won twice at Bahrain | Credit: F1

Bahrain has had many winners in the 21 years it has been on the F1 calendar, past victories include Fernando Alonso’s back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006 and Nico Rosberg’s victory in 2014. Alonso has enjoyed much success in Bahrain, currently holding three race wins there in total over his career, after a third win in 2010.

More recently, Verstappen and Leclerc have been the only victors during the current ground effect rules F1 has had since 2022 - with the Ferrari driver winning by over five seconds, as part of the Scuderia one-two finish. Verstappen enjoyed dominant outings in 2023 and 2024, winning both Grands Prix by over 10 seconds.