April 13 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit – Race Date, Location and Highlights

The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 is set to thrill fans on Sunday, April 13, under the floodlights of the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. As the fourth round of the 2025 Formula One World Championship, this night race is not only one of the most picturesque stops on the calendar but also one of the most critical.

Did you know this will be the 21st running of the Bahrain Grand Prix? This year, the event arrives at a pivotal point in the championship battle, with McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull all vying for dominance. From strategy shakeups to rising rookie stars, here’s everything you need to know to get ready for race day in the desert.

Event Overview

The 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix will officially be known as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025, featuring 57 laps around the 5.412 km (3.363 miles) permanent racing facility. This totals a race distance of 308.238 km (190.253 miles).

The race weekend runs from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, following the traditional F1 format: Free Practice, Qualifying, and the Race.

📅 Weekend Schedule (Local Time – Bahrain):

• Friday, April 11
• Free Practice 1: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• Free Practice 2: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, April 12
• Free Practice 3: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Qualifying: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday, April 13
• Race Start: 6:00 PM (Local Time) / 11:00 AM Eastern Time (ET)

📺 For international broadcast times, refer to the official Formula 1 broadcast guide.

Championship Standings Heading into Bahrain

The Bahrain Grand Prix could become a key turning point in the 2025 championship. After three rounds, the top of the Drivers’ Standings is a tight contest:

• Lando Norris – 62 points
• Max Verstappen – 61 points
• Oscar Piastri – 49 points

Meanwhile, the Constructors’ Championship sees McLaren on top:

• 🟠 McLaren – 111 points
• ⚫ Mercedes – 75 points
• 🔵 Red Bull Racing – 61 points

A strong performance in Bahrain could swing the balance dramatically in both standings. Will Norris solidify his lead, or will Verstappen strike back?

Track Characteristics of the Bahrain International Circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit is one of the most technically demanding on the calendar:

• 🌙 First night race of the 2025 season
• 🛞 High tire wear due to abrasive asphalt and thermal degradation
• 🌬️ Susceptible to sand drift from the desert environment
• 🔁 Known for long straights and heavy braking zones

🔑 Key Overtaking Opportunities:

• Turn 1: Long DRS zone leads into a sharp right-hander
• Turn 4: Wide entry allows late braking
• Turn 11: Technical and great for surprise moves

💡 The combination of heat, dust, and strategy makes Bahrain one of the best venues for on-track action.

Rookie Drivers in FP1: A Glimpse into the Future

In line with Formula One regulations requiring teams to give seat time to young drivers, six alternate drivers will participate in Free Practice 1:

• Ryō Hirakawa – Haas
• Dino Beganovic – Ferrari (Formula One debut)
• Frederik Vesti – Mercedes
• Felipe Drugovich – Aston Martin
• Luke Browning – Williams
• Ayumu Iwasa – Red Bull Racing

Watch FP1 to see the potential stars of tomorrow get their moment in the spotlight.

Pirelli Tire Choices & Strategic Variables

For Bahrain, Pirelli brings their hardest compounds:

• C1 – Hard
• C2 – Medium
• C3 – Soft

Due to the track surface and high degradation, tire management will play a crucial role. Most teams may favor two-stop strategies, especially if temperatures remain high into the night.

More on tire strategy from Formula One History.

What’s at Stake for Teams?

🟠 McLaren

• Currently leading both championships
• Must balance aggression with consistency

⚫ Mercedes

• Solid form but needs better race pace to challenge for wins

🔵 Red Bull Racing

• Chasing momentum after a slower start
• Eyes on strategic execution to get back into contention

The midfield battle is also heating up, with Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Alpine jostling for valuable points.

Fan Experience and Circuit Atmosphere

If you’re attending in person, the Bahrain GP offers an unforgettable fan experience:

• 🎡 Entertainment village with live music, food trucks, and merchandise
• 🏟️ Main Grandstand offers views of Turn 1 and pit stops
• 🌅 Sunset views give way to the stunning lights of the night race

Visit the Bahrain GP official site for ticketing and travel details.

Pro tip: Arrive early to beat traffic and enjoy the full atmosphere.

How to Watch the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix

The 2025 Bahrain GP will be available worldwide via multiple broadcasters:

• 🇺🇸 ESPN (USA)
• 🇬🇧 Sky Sports F1 (UK)
• 🇨🇦 TSN (Canada)
• 🌍 F1 TV Pro (Global streaming option)

For complete streaming and channel options, check this guide from Yahoo Sports.

Why the April 13 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix Matters

The April 13 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix isn’t just a spectacle — it’s a strategic battleground. With tight championship standings, challenging conditions, and emerging driver talent, Bahrain could redefine the season’s trajectory.

Whether you’re watching from the stands or streaming worldwide, this race promises drama, wheel-to-wheel action, and a glimpse at F1’s future stars.