They begin the Bahrain GP qualifying, on the Sakhir circuit, where the undisputed protagonist is often the car package rather than the individual driver. Here, more than on other tracks, the performance of the car can dictate the fate of the weekend, thanks to a track that allows overtaking, strategy and twists, but which is unforgiving in terms of grip, especially when the sun goes down.
Q1: In Bahrain the car is highlighted, but there are certainly some twists and turns
Q1 opens with the first flying laps of Hülkenberg and the two Aston Martins. Despite the optimisations of the track, Grip remains a problem for many. Meanwhile, small problems for Esteban Ocon, struggling with a seat that is not perfectly right.
The first times are recorded by Alonso and Hülkenberg, but within a few seconds they all enter the track. Max Verstappen radios somethe problems with his Red Bull, while Leclerc starts strong and Yuki Tsunoda sees his first time cancelled due to track limits. The two McLarens shine, immediately in front of everyone, followed by Leclerc, Doohan and Hamilton.
Great start also by Antonelli, who prints a time worthy of applause and places himself provisionally third, confirming once again that he is not afraid of the comparison with the big guys. The two Red Bulls return to search for the time with determination. Excellent performance by Jack Doohan, in the race to convince Alpine to definitively focus on him. Hamilton closes Q1 in second position, Leclerc remains in the pits and Verstappen is third. Albon's last pass is not enough, this time he is out.
Q2: Red flag, slippery track and an attacking Leclerc
The second heat starts with a bang: Yuki Tsunoda opens with an excellent time, but all eyes are on Max Verstappen, who immediately prints an extraterrestrial fuchsia in the first sector. But attention quickly shifts to Esteban Ocon, who hits the wall on the exit of turn 3. Violent spin, but fortunately no consequences for the driver, who confirms via team radio that he is fine. His Haas is damaged and Q2 is stopped by a red flag.
The track conditions are not helping: the asphalt continues not to rubberize properly, forcing the drivers to look for grip everywhere. Everyone is on soft tires. Antonelli records excellent partial times, while Leclerc follows the young Italian to make the most of the launch of his lap. Oscar Piastri closes with a very fast time of 1:30.454, just a tenth faster than Lando Norris and the McLarens seem simply unplayable. A dramatic turn of events occurs when Charles temporarily places eighth, and surprisingly Pierre Gasly moves up to third.
Piastri then remained a spectator from the pit wall with his provisional P1, while the two Red Bulls snatched the pass for Q3: it had not happened for a long time that both cars managed to qualify among the top ten. A sign that the Milton Keynes team, despite some initial problems, remains a constant presence in the decisive moments?
Here's the moment Ocon lost control and spun into the barriers 💥#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/gspackF0iw
- Formula 1 (@ F1) April 12, 2025
Q3: the new generation to be applauded (and the pole)
Mercedes plays it smart and shows up with two new sets of softs. Leclerc fits used rubber, while Tsunoda and Verstappen open the dance. The Japanese sets a great time, Antonelli impresses again and takes provisional pole. Max has brake problems, while Russell ousts him. The twist? Gasly who goes to fourth position and Leclerc who takes a great time beating Hamilton by 9 tenths. The problem is always Oscar Piastri. The glacial number 81 prints an uncatchable time and while everyone returns to the pits for the last three minutes with new tires, Antonelli is still the protagonist taking provisional pole position.
However, his teammate "kicks" him back a little and while Leclerc takes the second row of these qualifications, Oscar piastri puts the exclamation point on the Bahrain GP with a very heavy pole, in a heart-stopping finale. Norris is only sixth, Verstappen doesn't go beyond seventh place. Carlos Sainz finishes eighth, finally convincing, while Hamilton slips to ninth position. Closing the top ten is a decidedly in-form Tsunoda.
Starting Grid: Bahrain GP 2025
- Oscar piastri
- George Russell
- Charles Leclerc
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli
- Pierre Gasly
- Lando Norris
- Max Verstappen
- Carlos Sainz
- Lewis Hamilton
- Yuki tsunoda
And you? Have you already made your choices for FantaF1?
Tomorrow's race promises to be an interesting grid thanks to this Bahrain Desert GP qualifying!
