Bahrain GP: Oscar Piastri dominates to claim second victory of 2025 F1

NEW DELHI: McLaren’s Oscar Piastri cruised to victory in the Bahrain GP at Sakhir, marking his second win of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Starting from pole position, Piastri led the race from start to finish, becoming the first repeat winner of the year. Mercedes’ George Russell finished second, while McLaren teammate Lando Norris made a remarkable recovery to take third after a challenging qualifying performance. Here are the key takeaways from Bahrain.

Lando Norris’s Mental Game Could Cost Him the 2025 F1 Title

The immediate reactions from drivers after qualifying are often telling, and Lando Norris’s expression following his disappointing qualifying session in Bahrain was notably familiar. It was a look of frustration, similar to his reaction after losing out on victory in the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix to McLaren teammate Piastri.

“Norris has often struggled with emotional swings, which seem to impact his performance when under pressure. In contrast, Piastri has shown remarkable mental composure, a trait that has allowed him to consistently perform at a high level. As the 2025 title battle intensifies, Norris’s vulnerability to pressure could be a decisive factor.”

“In a season where every point counts, Piastri’s calm demeanor may give him the edge over his more emotional teammate.”

“Norris must learn from the likes of Nico Rosberg, who shut out distractions and focused solely on the title in his 2016 World Championship campaign. If Norris is to challenge for the 2025 title, he must overcome his emotional hurdles and cultivate the psychological resilience that Piastri already possesses.”

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George Russell Faces a Tough Challenge with Mercedes

Despite a strong start to the 2025 season, with three podiums in the first four races, George Russell‘s future at Mercedes is far from secure. With young talent like Andrea Kimi Antonelli pushing him hard, Russell’s position at Mercedes could come under scrutiny, especially if he struggles to maintain his performance.

“Russell’s ideal scenario this season would have been for Antonelli to falter, allowing him to solidify his place as Mercedes’ top driver. However, with Antonelli impressing early in his debut season, Russell may find himself battling not just for podiums, but for his seat at Mercedes.”

The growing uncertainty over Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull also adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as Mercedes could make a play for the reigning World Champion.

“Russell’s best efforts might not be enough to secure his place if Antonelli continues to close the gap. The competition for a spot in Mercedes’ future lineup is heating up, and Russell may have to raise his game to keep his seat for 2026.”

Max Verstappen’s Future: A Complex Puzzle

Max Verstappen‘s position in Formula 1 remains a topic of intense speculation. While his performances this season have kept him in contention for a fifth consecutive title, Red Bull’s ongoing struggles with the RB21 could jeopardize his future at the team. Verstappen’s contract contains an exit clause that could be activated if he is outside the top three in the standings after a significant portion of the season.

“The possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull at the end of 2025 is becoming more likely, especially as Mercedes looks set to make a push for the Dutchman’s services. If Russell fails to deliver and Verstappen decides to make the move, it would be a massive shakeup for F1 in 2026.”

Ferrari’s Mistake: A Risky Decision to Change a Winning Formula

Ferrari’s 2025 season has not gone according to plan. After coming so close to securing the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, the team’s performance has faltered in the early stages of 2025. The decision to radically change the car design under team principal Fred Vasseur has backfired, leaving Ferrari trailing McLaren by a significant margin.

“Carlos Sainz’s departure and the arrival of Lewis Hamilton have also added to the team’s struggles. Ferrari’s car, which had the potential to compete for titles in 2025, now seems off the pace. The decision to change a car that was already strong in 2024 could be one of the biggest missteps in Ferrari’s recent history.”

Alpine’s Bright Future: Flavio Briatore’s Bold Vision

Alpine’s fortunes appear to be on the rise. Despite a disappointing 2024 season, the team has made significant strides in 2025, with Pierre Gasly’s strong performance in Bahrain showcasing the progress they have made. Alpine’s new leadership, under the guidance of Flavio Briatore, is expected to return the team to the front of the grid in 2026.

“Briatore’s unconventional approach, which has already led to improvements at Alpine, could see the team challenging for race wins in the near future. With new engines on the horizon, Alpine is positioning itself to be a formidable contender in the next few seasons.”

The Case for Bringing Back V10 Engines in F1

While Formula 1 continues to embrace hybrid engines and sustainability, there remains a growing desire among fans and drivers for the return of the iconic V10 engines. The sound, the power, and the thrill of the V10s were a defining feature of F1’s golden era, and many believe that bringing them back could reignite the passion for the sport.

“Sebastian Vettel’s recent demonstrations of historic F1 cars have highlighted the appeal of the V10s, and there is a growing movement to bring them back in a sustainable form. While the likelihood of this happening remains slim, the idea of a more exciting, visceral F1 experience is one that continues to captivate the sport’s fanbase.”

As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the debate over the future of its engines is far from over. The sport may soon face a decision: stick with hybrid power units or embrace the roar of the V10s once more.

As the 2025 season progresses, the storylines in Formula 1 continue to evolve, with drama on and off the track shaping what promises to be a thrilling year of racing.

Bahrain GP Full Race Classification:

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1:35:39.435
2. George Russell (Mercedes) +15.4s
3. Lando Norris (McLaren) +16.2s
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +19.6s
5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +27.9s
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +34.3s
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +36.0s
8. Esteban Ocon (Haas) +44.2s
9. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +45.0s
10. Ollie Bearman (Haas) +47.5s
11. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +48.0s
12. Alex Albon (Williams) +48.8s
13. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +56.3s
14. Jack Doohan (Alpine) +57.8s
15. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +60.3s
16. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +64.4s
17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +65.4s
18. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +66.8s
    ❌ DSQ: Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
    ❌ DNF: Carlos Sainz (Williams)