Everything You Need to Know Before Watching the Bahrain Grand Prix
- Naomi Blair
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Introduction to the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been a prominent fixture in the Formula 1 calendar since its inaugural race in 2004, marking the sport's first venture into the Middle East. Hosted at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, this race is best-known for its night-time setting under floodlights, creating a spectacular atmosphere for drivers and viewers alike. The circuit's combination of long straights and technical corners offers ample overtaking opportunities, ensuring exciting races year after year.
Track Overview – Bahrain International Circuit
Track Length: 5.412 km (3.363 miles)
Race Distance: 57 laps (308.238 km total)
Lap Record: 1:31.447 (Pedro de la Rosa, 2005)
The Bahrain International Circuit is characterized by its desert surroundings, which can lead to sand on the track surface, affecting grip levels. Key sections of the circuit include:
Turn 1 (First Corner): A tight right-hander at the end of the main straight, a prime spot for overtaking.
Turns 9 & 10: A challenging left-hand sequence requiring precise braking to avoid lock-ups.
Turn 14: A crucial corner leading onto the main straight, vital for maintaining speed and setting up overtaking moves.
Tire Strategies & Weather Conditions
The circuit's abrasive asphalt and high temperatures contribute to significant tire degradation, making tire management a critical aspect of race strategy. Pirelli typically provides harder tire compounds to withstand these demanding conditions.
Despite being a night race, temperatures remain high, often exceeding 35°C (95°F). In 2025, drivers have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of cockpit cooling systems, indicating the extreme heat's impact on performance and comfort.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11 – FP1 AND FP2
Conditions: Still very hot, but northerly wind peaking up to 20-30kph. Some uncertainties regarding the temperature level. FP1: 33°C // FP2: 29-30°C
Maximum temperature expected: 34 Celsius
Minimum temperature expected: 28 Celsius
Chance of rain: 0%
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 – FP3 AND QUALIFYING
Conditions: Sunny. A light Northerly wind slightly increasing for FP3. FP3: 32°C // Q: 28-29°C
Maximum temperature expected: 34 Celsius
Minimum temperature expected: 25 Celsius
Chance of rain: 0%
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 – RACE
Conditions: Same weather than Saturday with hot air temperature. Northerly wind during the day decreasing for the race. Race start: 27-28°C
Maximum temperature expected: 32 Celsius
Minimum temperature expected: 25 Celsius
Chance of rain: 0%
Key Teams & Drivers to Watch
Max Verstappen (Red Bull): After a dramatic victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen is just one point behind championship leader Lando Norris.
Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri (McLaren): Piastri led a McLaren one-two in the second practice session, showcasing the team's strong form.
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): Hamilton's move to Ferrari has had a challenging start, including a disqualification in Shanghai. However, testing suggests Ferrari's potential competitiveness in Bahrain.
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): Experienced a steering wheel detachment during practice, raising safety concerns but highlighting his resilience.
DRS & Overtaking Opportunities
Bahrain International Circuit features three DRS zones enhancing overtaking possibilities:
Main Straight (Detection: 110m before Turn 14, Activation: 250m after Turn 15): The longest DRS zone, leading into Turn 1, a prime overtaking spot.
Between Turns 3 and 4 (Detection: 50m before Turn 1, Activation: 23m after Turn 3): A short straight where DRS can facilitate passing into Turn 4.
Between Turns 10 and 11 (Detection: 10m before Turn 9, Activation: 50m after Turn 10): A challenging zone where successful overtakes require precision.
My Fantasy Teams
Other than the fact that I received a penalty for having an inactive driver on my team, my fantasy teams did really well last weekend. The only change I made awaiting this Grand Prix was switching out Tsunoda for Bearman.
Memorable Moments at Bahrain
The Bahrain Grand Prix has delivered several unforgettable incidents:
2014: Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg engaged in a thrilling duel, with Hamilton narrowly securing victory.
2020: Romain Grosjean survived a horrific crash, with his car splitting in half and bursting into flames, highlighting the advancements in F1 safety measures.
How to Watch & Timing Info
To catch the Bahrain Grand Prix, here’s the schedule (local time, GMT+1):
Friday (Apr 11) – Free Practice 1 & 2
Saturday (Apr 12) – Free Practice 3 & Qualifying
Sunday (Apr 13) – Race Day!
Where to Watch:
F1 TV Pro: Worldwide streaming.
Sky Sports F1: UK coverage.
ESPN: USA coverage.
Viaplay: Sweden and Netherlands coverage.
With this comprehensive guide, you're well-prepared to enjoy the Bahrain Grand Prix!
If you have not done so already, make your predictions here: https://f1predict.formula1.com/en
