F1 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix: Final Starting Grid with Penalties Applied
The official starting grid for the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix has been confirmed following an intense qualifying session and a flurry of grid penalties. With strategic decisions, performance gaps, and steward rulings all playing a role, here’s how the drivers will line up on race day.
Front of the Grid:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Clinched pole with a lap of 1:28.765
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – Just 0.123s slower than Verstappen
3. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – Qualified 0.245s behind the pole-sitter
4. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – Set a time 0.378s off Verstappen
5. George Russell (Mercedes) – Rounded out the top five, 0.512s behind
Midfield Contenders:
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 0.623s off the leading time
7. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 0.756s down on Verstappen
8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 0.901s off the pace
9. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls) – Solid showing in the top ten
10. Daniel Ricciardo (Racing Bulls) – Completes the fifth row
Back Half of the Grid:
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
12. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
13. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – Dropped three places due to impeding another driver
14. Alexander Albon (Williams)
15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – Handed a five-place penalty for excessive engine component usage
16. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
17. Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber)
18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – Penalized three spots for causing a collision
19. Guanyu Zhou (Kick Sauber)
20. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – Serves a five-place drop due to a gearbox change
With the grid reshuffled after penalties, the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix is shaping up to be a dramatic opener to the new Formula 1 season. Tire strategy, race pace, and clean execution will be key as teams and drivers look to make the most of their starting positions under the desert lights.
