Sparks fly as Formula 1 heads to Bahrain for the crucial 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit
With the 2025 Formula 1 championship battles intensifying, the sport shifts its focus to the Middle East for the fourth round of the 2025 F1 season — the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Taking place from April 11 to April 13, 2025, at the iconic Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, this weekend promises high drama as teams prepare for the second race of the season’s first triple-header.
Lando Norris holds narrow lead in 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship after three races
Following an exciting opening trio of races in the 2025 F1 season, McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the drivers’ championship standings by just one point over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Norris’s consistent podium finishes have been crucial in McLaren’s early-season resurgence, with the Briton having amassed 62 points so far. Verstappen, meanwhile, stormed back into title contention with a dominant win last weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, marking his first victory of the season after securing pole position.
“I’m thrilled to finally have that first victory of the year. It’s been a challenge with the RB21, but we’ll keep pushing,” Verstappen said after his win in Japan.
McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri currently holds third place in the drivers’ standings, trailing Norris by 13 points. Together, Norris and Piastri have propelled McLaren to the top of the 2025 Formula 1 constructors’ championship, giving the Woking-based team a 36-point lead over Mercedes and a 50-point advantage over Red Bull.
McLaren looks to reassert dominance in the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix
Heading into the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir, McLaren remains focused on maintaining its early-season momentum. “We know Verstappen and Red Bull won’t slow down, so it’s up to us to stay on the front foot,” said McLaren team principal Andrea Stella. The team is aiming for its second consecutive F1 constructors’ championship after ending a long drought last year.
The Bahrain GP marks Formula 1’s return to the desert circuit since pre-season testing, where McLaren and Red Bull both showed strong pace. Verstappen’s RB21 remains a formidable contender, and despite challenges, Red Bull’s star driver has repeatedly proven capable of exceptional performances.
Key 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix schedule and start times to watch live
Fans worldwide can expect three days packed with high-octane Formula 1 action. The schedule for the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix is as follows:
- Friday, April 11, 2025: Free Practice 1 (FP1) at 2:30 p.m. local time; Free Practice 2 (FP2) at 6:00 p.m. local time
- Saturday, April 12, 2025: Free Practice 3 (FP3) at 3:30 p.m. local time; Qualifying session at 7:00 p.m. local time
- Sunday, April 13, 2025: Race day — 57 laps under floodlights starting at 6:00 p.m. local time
International race start times for the 2025 Bahrain GP:
- United States (EDT): 11:00 a.m.
- United Kingdom (BST): 4:00 p.m.
- Australia (AEST): 1:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14
- India (IST): 8:30 p.m.
- Saudi Arabia: 6:00 p.m.
How to watch the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix live: broadcasters and streaming options
Fans eager to catch all the Bahrain GP action have multiple options:
- In the United States, live coverage will be available on ESPN and ESPN+.
- UK viewers can tune into Sky Sports F1 for expert commentary and analysis, including Ted Kravitz’s popular Ted’s Notebook show for behind-the-scenes insights.
- International fans can access live streaming and replays on platforms like F1 TV Pro.
Broadcast partners by region include:
- United States: ESPN, ESPN+
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports
- Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo
- Canada: RDS, TSN, Noovo
- Middle East: beIN SPORTS
- Brazil: Bandeirantes, Bandsports
What’s at stake at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix? Championship battle heats up
The 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix is more than just a race — it represents a pivotal moment in the Formula 1 championship battle. McLaren aims to consolidate its lead in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, while Red Bull and Mercedes are desperate to close the gap.
The fierce rivalry between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen continues to captivate F1 fans worldwide as these two drivers fight fiercely for supremacy in the early 2025 season.
Will McLaren’s early-season momentum hold under the desert lights, or can Verstappen deliver another stunning performance in Bahrain? The engines are revving, the lights are shining — and the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix promises to deliver unforgettable Formula 1 drama.
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