Formula 1 returns to the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking the first night race of the 2025 season.
Following Max Verstappen`s dominant victory in Suzuka, McLaren will aim to respond strongly at a track where they demonstrated strong performance during pre-season testing.
Lando Norris currently leads the Drivers` Championship by a narrow margin of one point over Verstappen, with Oscar Piastri trailing his McLaren teammate by 13 points.
Mercedes holds the position of McLaren`s closest competitor in the Constructors` Championship, but they are currently 36 points behind after the initial three races.
Despite Lewis Hamilton`s Sprint victory in China, Ferrari`s 2025 season start has been below expectations. However, on a well-known circuit for all teams and drivers, they will seek to contend at the front, anticipating that the track`s characteristics will better suit their car.
F1 Drivers` Championship ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix
Bahrain International Circuit
The Bahrain Grand Prix was introduced to the Formula 1 calendar in 2004 and has been a consistent part of the schedule every season, with the exception of 2011.
In 2014, it transitioned into a night race, famously hosting an epic duel for the lead between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg throughout the race.
Bahrain is renowned as one of the most exciting tracks for close racing due to its combination of long straights and demanding braking zones, facilitating driver battles particularly in the first sector.
From 2021 to 2024, the Bahrain Grand Prix served as the Formula 1 season opener. However, in 2025, it has been moved to the fourth race of the season because of Ramadan.
Weather Forecast in Sakhir
Despite unexpected brief rainfall during pre-season testing earlier this year, the weather forecast for Sakhir this week indicates no rain. Instead, sunny and breezy conditions are expected from Friday through Sunday.
Daytime temperatures are anticipated to be in the low 30s degrees Celsius, decreasing to the high 20s for the Saturday qualifying and Sunday race sessions, which take place at night.
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Ride onboard with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso as the former team-mates battled it out in the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix
Bahrain GP Schedule (UK Time)
Thursday, April 10
- 2pm: Drivers` Press Conference
Friday, April 11
- 8:50am: F3 Practice
- 10am: F2 Practice
- 12pm: Bahrain GP Practice One (session starts at 12:30pm)
- 1:55pm: F3 Qualifying
- 2:40pm: F2 Qualifying
- 3:35pm: Bahrain GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
- 5:15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday, April 12
- 11:10am: F3 Sprint Race
- 1:15pm: Bahrain GP Practice Three (session starts at 1:30pm)
- 3:10pm: F2 Sprint
- 4:10pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying build-up
- 5pm: BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
- 7pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, April 13
- 10:50am: F3 Feature Race
- 12:20pm: F2 Feature Race
- 2:30pm: Bahrain GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 4pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
- 6pm: Bahrain GP reaction: Chequered Flag
- 7pm: Ted`s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
How to Watch the Bahrain Grand Prix
Watch Live:
Fans in the UK and Ireland can catch all the action of the Bahrain Grand Prix, from Friday`s first practice session to the main race on Sunday, April 13th at 4pm UK time.
Stream Online:
For those without traditional Sky TV access, streaming options are available to watch the race weekend unfold.
Live Updates:
Stay updated with live coverage throughout the race weekend with dedicated F1 blogs.
Free Highlights:
Catch up on the key moments with free highlights available shortly after the race concludes.
Formula 1 action continues in Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
