McLaren took their first victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix since the race first joined the calendar in 2004, after Oscar Piastri crossed the line in first ahead of George Russell.
Piastri looked untouchable throughout the entire race after the Australian led from pole, with it now being the fourth occasion that a driver has led from the first grid slot and went on to win the race.
McLaren teammate Lando Norris started from sixth after a disappointing qualifying session and while he gained three positions on the opening lap, he was later issued a penalty by the stewards for being out of position on the grid.
Norris would serve it in his pit stop and was overtaken by Charles Leclerc, but a mid-race Safety Car changed his fortunes as it allowed him to pit for new tyres and overtake the Ferrari driver at the restart.
It looked like McLaren would briefly be on for a one-two victory as George Russell battled technical problems in the Mercedes, but he held on for a surprise second place.
Celebrating their victory, Bahrain decided to pay tribute to McLaren by making a change to the local phone networks in the country according to journalist James Roberts.
Bahrain changes the local phone networks after McLaren’s first victory
McLaren’s F1 team is owned by Mumtalakat, the sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, which is why the race in Sakhir is often thought of as their second home race.
Team principal Andrea Stella made reference to this in McLaren’s official press release after the race, paying tribute to their backers.
“A very important result in Bahrain at our second home Grand Prix. It’s a first victory for the team here, following on from a first Pole position yesterday. We are all extremely appreciative of the support we receive from our shareholders, now and always,” said Stella.
McLaren’s owners celebrated their Constructors’ triumph last year by turning the whole city of Manama papaya; now, they have also changed the local phone networks.
“Bahrain has changed the name of the local mobile phone network to ‘McLaren Victory’,” wrote Roberts.
McLaren extends lead over Red Bull after Japanese GP dip
McLaren’s victory in Bahrain has seen them extend their lead over Max Verstappen, after his shock win at the Japanese GP at the start of the triple header.
Norris is now eight points ahead of Verstappen after the Dutchman finished in P6, following a last-lap overtake on Pierre Gasly.
| Position | Drivers’ Championship | Points |
| 1 |
Lando Norris |
77 |
| 2 |
Oscar Piastri |
74 |
| 3 |
Max Verstappen |
69 |
| 4 |
George Russell |
63 |
| 5 |
Charles Leclerc |
32 |
Red Bull held crisis talks after the Bahrain GP following a very difficult race for both drivers, who spent most of it complaining about lack of grip.
Verstappen’s manager was also seen having a heated exchange with Helmut Marko after the race, showing tensions are boiling over at the team.
