NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
Get ready, Formula 1 fans—the Bahrain Grand Prix is just around the corner! Set for April 11-13, 2025, this race marks the fourth stop of the season under the desert lights. If you’re new to F1, don’t worry so am I sort of. My preview will break it all down simply. F1 is a worldwide racing series where 20 drivers from 10 teams compete in lightning-fast cars across 24 races. The Bahrain Grand Prix is special because it’s a night race, held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, and it’s an amazing mix of speed, strategy, and drama. Here’s what to expect!
The Bahrain track is 5.4 kilometers (about 3.4 miles) long, with 15 turns and long straights where cars hit speeds over 200 mph. Drivers will race 57 LAPS, battling for points in two championships: the Drivers’ Championship (for the best driver) and the Constructors’ Championship (for the best team). The circuit’s sandy surroundings and hot weather make tires wear out fast, so teams must plan pit stops carefully usually two per race to swap tires and keep their drivers competitive. Plus, there are three “DRS zones” (special areas where drivers can boost speed to pass others), making overtaking a big part of the excitement.
So far in 2025, three races have set the stage. Max Verstappen, the Red Bull superstar who’s won the last four Drivers’ titles, has been strong, winning in China and Japan after finishing second in Australia. McLaren’s Lando Norris kicked off the season with a win in Melbourne and has stayed close, taking second in the last two races. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, has grabbed podiums too, helping McLaren lead the Constructors’ standings. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and new teammate Lewis Hamilton (a seven-time champ) are in the mix, though Hamilton’s still finding his groove with ninth, seventh, and fifth-place finishes. With Verstappen leading the Drivers’ points and McLaren topping the teams, Bahrain could shake things up.
Why does Bahrain matter? It’s the first of two Middle Eastern races in April (Saudi Arabia’s next), rescheduled from March due to Ramadan. The night setting adds a cool vibe, with floodlights illuminating the action. The track’s layout tests both car speed and driver skill, especially in tight corners like Turn 1 and the fast sweep of Turns 9-10. For new fans, watch for pit stop timing—teams that nail their strategy often leap ahead. Also, keep an eye on “rookies” like Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Oliver Bearman (Haas), who are young but already showing promise.
Predictions? Verstappen’s consistency makes him a favorite, but Norris could steal the show if McLaren’s car handles the heat well. Leclerc might shine too Ferrari’s been quick here before. Expect surprises, though—tire wear and desert winds can trip up even the best. Tune in on April 11 for practice, April 12 for qualifying (which sets the starting order), and April 13 for the race. It’s a perfect chance to see why F1’s mix of speed and strategy hooks millions of fans worldwide! Let’s GO!
