The 2025 Formula 1 season is only three races in, but the Bahrain Grand Prix could already shape the title race. McLaren, fresh from wins in Australia and China, aims to finally conquer the Sakhir Circuit. Their strong start puts pressure on Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who remains close in the standings. With Bahrain’s unique track conditions, the race may reveal who truly leads the charge this season.
McLaren Looks to Break Bahrain Struggles
The Bahrain Grand Prix has never been kind to McLaren. The team has yet to win there, and past races brought frustration. But 2025 might be different. During pre-season testing, the MCL39 showed strong form. That promise turned into reality with Lando Norris’s win in Australia and Oscar Piastri’s victory in China.
In Japan, Verstappen bounced back with a dominant win. But many in the paddock say Suzuka’s smooth track and low tyre wear made it a poor test of true race pace. Bahrain, with its high temperatures and rough surface, may show whether McLaren’s tyre-friendly setup gives them an edge.
Oscar Piastri shared cautious optimism:
“This hasn’t been a great track for us historically, but we’re as confident as we’ve ever been. We’re in a position to win.”
Verstappen Still in the Fight
Despite early McLaren momentum, Max Verstappen is just one point behind Norris in the standings. If Red Bull’s upgrades work well in Bahrain, the Dutchman could easily flip the script.
A win here would send a message that Red Bull is not backing down. But the team faces questions about whether they’ve improved tyre management, an area where McLaren now excels.
Verstappen will also need to make the most of every opportunity, as Bahrain’s heat and tyre degradation often lead to unexpected race outcomes.
McLaren’s Internal Balancing Act
McLaren’s biggest challenge may not be Red Bull—but managing its own drivers. In Japan, Norris expressed frustration after the team opted for a conservative strategy.
“I’m here to win, not settle for second,” he said after the race.
The team also chose not to swap him with Piastri during the final laps, a move some critics saw as too cautious. This raised questions about whether McLaren can afford such a hands-off approach when fighting for a championship.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner didn’t miss the chance to comment:
“Letting both drivers fight means they’ll take points off each other. Max will stay close.”
But McLaren boss Andrea Stella sees it differently. He believes internal competition helps the team stay sharp.
Practice Results Hint at McLaren Dominance
Early results in Bahrain’s free practice sessions support Stella’s belief. McLaren looks fast—very fast.
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In FP1, Norris was the quickest on track, finishing two-tenths ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
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In FP2, Piastri took the top spot, narrowly ahead of Norris and well ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell.
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Verstappen ended FP2 in seventh, nearly eight-tenths off Piastri’s pace.
While practice doesn’t guarantee race results, McLaren’s pace is clear. Their drivers are confident, and the team looks well-prepared to finally end their Bahrain drought.
What’s at Stake This Weekend?
A McLaren win would mean more than just points. It would break a long-standing curse at the Sakhir Circuit and make a strong statement for the rest of the season. More importantly, it could tilt the psychological battle with Red Bull.
With the title fight still wide open and only one point separating the top two drivers, every race counts. The outcome in Bahrain could shift momentum—and strategy—for both teams.