The fourth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season at Bahrain’s challenging Sakhir circuit provided a gripping spectacle that highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of various teams. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the weekend.
Winner: Oscar Piastri / Loser: Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri capitalized on McLaren’s strong practice performance to secure pole position, while his teammate Lando Norris struggled to find his rhythm, finishing sixth. Despite Piastri’s impressive win, Norris’s difficulties raised concerns as he battled to adapt to the new car, which is significantly different from the 2024 model. This has led to speculation about whether he has fully connected with the 2025 setup.
“Our objective is to get Lando back to full confidence in the car,” McLaren acknowledged, as Piastri’s rapid ascent contrasts with Norris’s challenges.
Winner: George Russell
Amid shifting team dynamics behind McLaren, George Russell has emerged as a model of consistency, securing his third podium in four races. His performance in Bahrain was particularly commendable as he managed to fend off late advances from Norris while dealing with multiple technical issues, all on soft tires that were over 20 laps old.
While Russell noted McLaren’s undeniable speed, his ability to finish strong amidst challenges underscores his skill and adaptability.
Loser: Red Bull
Red Bull faced significant challenges during the Bahrain GP, showcasing a lack of balance and grip. After a promising start in Melbourne and China, the team’s struggles were stark in Bahrain. Max Verstappen, starting from seventh, encountered difficulties, including slow pit stops and a lack of pace, which contributed to the team’s disappointing finish.
Red Bull’s management held a crisis meeting post-race, with Helmut Marko expressing concerns over the weekend’s results. Despite Yuki Tsunoda having a decent performance by finishing ninth, the team needs to address its car issues quickly to stay competitive.
Winner: Pierre Gasly
Pierre Gasly’s performance marked a pivotal moment for Alpine as he earned six points with a seventh-place finish. His solid qualifying effort set him up well for the race, and although he lost a position to Verstappen on the last lap, he demonstrated that Alpine is improving after a difficult start to the season.
Loser: Liam Lawson / Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson’s return to the Racing Bulls team has not gone smoothly, with the New Zealander overshadowed by rookie Isack Hadjar. Lawson faced issues during qualifying and struggled in the race, which involved clashes in the midfield and attention from FIA stewards. His underwhelming performance raises concerns about his future prospects in the championship.
Winner: Haas
In a surprising twist, both Haas drivers managed to keep pace with the Red Bulls, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman finishing strong after starting from 14th and 20th, respectively. Their aggressive strategy paid off, showcasing the team’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
Loser: Aston Martin
Aston Martin endured a challenging race in Bahrain, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll struggling with traction and handling issues. Alonso finished 15th after starting 13th, while Stroll’s setup left him in 17th place. The team’s performance underscores difficulties in adapting to the circuit’s demands, raising questions about their capacity to score points this season.
In conclusion, the Bahrain GP has set the tone for the unfolding 2025 season, highlighting the strengths of certain teams while exposing the vulnerabilities of others. The next race will be critical for those seeking to bounce back and capitalize on their performance.
