Norris arrives in Bahrain with Verstappen in hot…read more
As the Formula One season heats up, Lando Norris currently leads the championship, but Max Verstappen is hot on his tail, with just a single point separating the two drivers. The Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place this Sunday, could see a change at the top of the standings as Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion, looks to overtake Norris after a strong showing in previous races.
Verstappen had a commanding performance in last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit, securing a dominant victory from pole position. He led the race from start to finish, claiming the fastest lap along the way, as his Red Bull team celebrated a one-two finish for the second consecutive year. This year, Verstappen arrives at the desert track aiming for a third consecutive win, though a one-two finish for Red Bull now seems less likely due to the fierce competition from other teams. Nonetheless, another victory for Verstappen would serve as a powerful statement, especially after his recent win in Japan, which ended McLaren’s impressive winning streak at the start of the season.
While Verstappen’s confidence is high, he acknowledges the unique challenges of the Bahrain track. “Bahrain is a completely different track, very tough on tires… we still have work to do,” Verstappen said after his victory in Japan. Despite these challenges, the Dutch driver is optimistic, adding that the Japanese Grand Prix demonstrated the potential of his team when everything falls into place. Verstappen’s Red Bull team, however, is still in the process of adapting to the demands of the Bahrain circuit, which is notoriously hard on tire wear, making tire management crucial for success.
McLaren, on the other hand, is having a standout season. Norris, who has led the championship since his victory in Australia, has ended Verstappen’s lengthy run at the top, which had lasted since May 2022. Norris, along with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, is among the top contenders to secure the season’s first double win. McLaren has been performing exceptionally well, with Norris and Piastri both having a pole position and a win to their names so far this season. The team is particularly motivated for the Bahrain Grand Prix as it is considered a home race for McLaren’s Bahraini owners, and the team will be looking for their third consecutive double podium finish and their third win in four rounds.
Norris’ lead in the standings, however, is not without pressure. The young British driver understands that one small mistake could let Verstappen and others close in on him. “It doesn’t take much of a mistake from us – or certainly from myself – to let the others in,” Norris remarked, reflecting the pressure of staying at the top. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also highlighted the importance of consistency and avoiding errors after finishing ninth in Melbourne due to a mistake that cost him a potential podium.
The battle for supremacy in the championship is heating up, not just between Norris and Verstappen, but with other teams also in contention. Mercedes’ George Russell, who had his debut at Sakhir in 2020, comes into the Bahrain race with strong momentum, having finished third in both Australia and China. Meanwhile, his rookie teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, made headlines last weekend by becoming the youngest-ever race leader and setting the fastest lap in the Japanese Grand Prix. These performances suggest that Mercedes could be a serious threat in Bahrain, potentially breaking the dominance of Red Bull and McLaren.
Ferrari, though, is still struggling to find form this season. Despite a double disqualification in China, the Italian team has yet to secure a podium finish, although Lewis Hamilton managed to win the Shanghai sprint. Hamilton, who now races for Ferrari after his switch from Mercedes, has a strong history at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with five wins at the circuit, all during his time with Mercedes. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed optimism ahead of the race, focusing on the progress Ferrari has made with their SF-25 car since their pre-season testing in Bahrain back in February. Vasseur sees the upcoming race as an important opportunity to evaluate the team’s progress and extract the full potential of their car.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is set to be an exciting contest, with multiple drivers and teams vying for victory. While Norris and Verstappen are the main title contenders, other teams like Mercedes and Ferrari are hoping to make a mark, and with Bahrain being a unique and challenging circuit, anything can happen. This race could be a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, potentially reshaping the championship battle for the rest of the year.
