Formula 1 is heading to Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first night race of the 2025 season.
After Max Verstappen`s dominant win in Suzuka, McLaren will be aiming to respond strongly at Bahrain, a track where they showed good 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 is currently McLaren`s closest competitor in the Constructors` Championship, but they are 36 points behind after three races.
Despite Lewis Hamilton`s Sprint victory in China, Ferrari`s 2025 season start hasn`t met their expectations. However, on a familiar circuit for all teams and drivers, they will be looking to contend at the front, as the Bahrain track is expected to suit their car better.
Bahrain International Circuit
The Bahrain Grand Prix was first introduced to the Formula 1 calendar in 2004 and has been a regular event every season since, except for 2011.
In 2014, it became a night race, remembered for the thrilling battle for the lead between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Bahrain is considered one of the best tracks for close racing due to its combination of long straights and heavy braking zones, facilitating overtaking opportunities throughout the first sector.
From 2021 to 2024, Bahrain hosted the F1 season opener, but in 2025, it has been moved to the fourth race due to Ramadan.
Weather Forecast in Sakhir
Despite unexpected rain during pre-season testing earlier this year, the weather forecast for Sakhir this week predicts no rain. Instead, sunny and breezy conditions are expected from Friday to Sunday.
Daytime temperatures are expected to be in the low 30s Celsius, dropping to the high 20s for the evening qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
Bahrain GP Schedule and UK Start Times
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
How to Watch the Bahrain Grand Prix
To watch the Bahrain Grand Prix, check your local TV listings for channels broadcasting Formula 1. Many providers offer streaming services, allowing you to watch the race on your devices.
Formula 1 continues in Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
