Formula 1 returns to Bahrain for the fourth round of the 2025 season and the second race of the first triple-header of the season, so F1 Oversteer’s writer have given their predictions on who they think will be the polesitter, winter, and the podium of the race.
Bahrain is where all the teams ran their cars for the first time during pre-season testing, and it gave us a small insight into where they all stand.
The Sakhir International Circuit is another track that is tough on tyres, so expect the teams to be battling with that throughout the weekend as they fine-tune their car setups.
Luckily for the teams they don’t have to deal with the extreme heat they used to when the race was held during the day, having been converted to a night race 11 years ago.
Max Verstappen heads into the race having won the last race in Japan unexpectedly. That victory puts him not far off second-placed Sebastian Vettel on the all-time points list (currently 3,084.5 vs 3,098). If he finishes on the podium, he will surpass the record.
Bahrain has seen it’s fair share of action over the years, notably the teammate between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in 2014. Will we get the same between the two McLaren drivers this weekend? Or will it go the way of Sergio Perez and Jenson Button in 2013.
F1 Oversteer’s expert writers have taken a look at who they think will came out on top in the desert.
How to watch the Bahrain Grand Prix on TV?
Sky Sports F1 will be providing live TV coverage in the UK, while those outside of the country can watch via F1 TV.
| Day | Session | Channel (GMT) |
| Friday | FP1 | Sky Sports F1 and Main Event (12:00 pm) |
| Friday | FP2 | Sky Sports F1 and Main Event (3:35 pm) |
| Saturday | FP3 | Sky Sports F1 and Main Event (1:15 pm) |
| Saturday | Qualifying | Sky Sports F1 and Main Event (4:10 pm) |
| Sunday | Grand Prix | Sky Sports F1 and Main Event (2:30 pm) |
F1 experts predict who will get pole position in Bahrain Grand Prix
Tyler Rowlinson: Lando Norris – The Bahrain GP is the perfect opportunity for McLaren and Lando Norris to get back on top after Max Verstappen had the advantage at Suzuka.
The Woking squad looked miles ahead of their rivals in pre-season testing at Sakhir back in February, and could display their strong pace in abundance this weekend.
‘Experts’ think McLaren will be quicker in hotter temperatures, with Bahrain and Jeddah set to be strong races for the team. Norris will be keen to extend his lead at the top of the standings, and while Oscar Piastri will certainly put up a strong challenge, the Brit will edge him out to take the pole.
Who will win the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix?
Kyle Archer: Lando Norris – It is an obvious shout but McLaren driver Lando Norris is the clear favourite to win the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix. The Briton and teammate Oscar Piastri will be able to fully utilise the advantage the MCL39 has over their rivals’ cars in Sakhir after lacking it in Japan.
Norris and Piastri chased Max Verstappen’s tail all race in Japan, as Suzuka’s resurfaced first sector negated McLaren’s tyre wear advantage over Red Bull. Yet it should not be the case in Sakhir as the track surface is more abrasive, so Verstappen will fall off throughout each stint.
Additionally, F1 was only in Sakhir in February for pre-season testing and Norris would have won the Bahrain GP by 12 seconds based on his race simulation on Day Two. Piastri was also largely comfortable during testing but failed to match Norris’ race simulation on Day Three.
What will be the podium in the Bahrain Grand Prix?
David Comerford: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, George Russell
Who will be the biggest surprise on the F1 grid in the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Rory Mitchell: George Russell – Mercedes has been yoyoing between being the second-best, third-best, and fourth-best car in the first three races. It’s not as kind on the tyres as the McLaren, but their race simulations in pre-season testing put them ahead of Ferrari and likely close to Red Bull. Given his experience on the Pirelli rubber, I’d expect Russell to have a race where he is in contention for the podium.
Who will be the biggest disappointment in the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Shay Rogers: Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari are not where they want to be and conceded that their car concept may not be quite as bulletproof as first believed at the Japanese Grand Prix. Something may be amidst at the rear of the car and it’s going to take time to figure out. Until then, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc may suffer behind their main rivals with little answer.
Their Chinese Grand Prix disqualifications were a reminder that pushing the boundaries too much will see them penalised. The Shakir circuit isn’t one of Hamilton’s favourites and after spending most of the season behind his new teammate so far, I expect that trend to continue this weekend.
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