F1 Qualifying Today: Start Times, Schedule, and What to Expect from….readmore
The 2025 Formula 1 season continues today with the much-anticipated qualifying session at the Bahrain International Circuit, taking place on Saturday, April 12. This session will determine the starting grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix and could prove critical for title contenders looking to build momentum early in the season.
In the previous round at the Japanese Grand Prix, qualifying played a decisive role in the outcome of the race. Max Verstappen secured pole position and converted it into his first win of the 2025 campaign. That performance underlined the importance of qualifying pace, especially in a season where margins are already proving to be razor-thin.
This weekend, all eyes are on McLaren as they have emerged as early pacesetters in Bahrain. Lando Norris led the field in Free Practice 1 on Friday, showcasing the team’s strong one-lap pace. Later in the day, Oscar Piastri topped the timesheets in Free Practice 2, which is generally considered a more representative session in terms of race conditions. Their pace has raised eyebrows in the paddock and positioned McLaren as potential pole contenders.
Meanwhile, it was a challenging FP2 session for some of the sport’s biggest names. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton—who is still adjusting to his new team—could only manage seventh and eighth fastest times, respectively. Both drivers are expected to make significant improvements during qualifying in hopes of securing positions closer to the front row.
Today’s qualifying session is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time in Bahrain (5:00 PM BST in the UK, 6:00 PM WAT in Nigeria). The session will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 in the UK, SuperSport in Africa, and can also be streamed via the F1 TV Pro platform in eligible regions.
With McLaren showing strong form and the likes of Hamilton and Verstappen looking to bounce back, today’s qualifying promises intense competition. The Bahrain International Circuit’s blend of long straights and tight corners often leads to thrilling lap times and close margins, making the outcome of this session pivotal for Sunday’s race. Fans around the world can look forward to a high-stakes battle under the lights in the desert.
