Oscar Piastri Dominates Bahrain GP as McLaren Makes Historic Home Statement
- Russell Fends Off Charging Norris in DRS Drama; Verstappen Falters, Leclerc and Hamilton Salvage Points
Oscar Piastri delivered a commanding lights-to-flag victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his second win of the season and securing McLaren’s long-awaited triumph at their ‘second home’ race. The Australian’s victory extended McLaren’s lead in the constructors’ championship and underscored his growing status as a formidable title contender.
The 23-year-old executed a flawless race strategy, resisting pressure from Mercedes’ George Russell at the start before pulling away decisively after a mid-race Safety Car intervention. Despite losing a comfortable seven-second advantage, Piastri used fresher medium tyres in the final stint to open up a 15-second margin at the chequered flag.
“It’s been an incredible weekend,” said Piastri. “Starting with pole yesterday and finishing the job today in style is nice. It’s very important given our owners. Bahrain hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for us, so to get our first win here is special.”
Russell Clings to Second Amid DRS Controversy
Behind the race winner, George Russell drove a gritty defensive race, holding off a relentless late challenge from Lando Norris. The Mercedes driver appeared to be battling technical gremlins, including a malfunctioning DRS system in the final laps, which triggered a post-race investigation. However, the stewards cleared him of wrongdoing, finding no sporting advantage gained.
His second-place finish was a welcome boost for Mercedes, who continue to trail McLaren in the constructors’ standings by a significant 58 points.
“I had to manage quite a few issues in the car, especially with the DRS,” Russell noted. “But we held firm, and it’s good to be back on the podium.”
Norris: Penalty, Errors, and What Might Have Been
Lando Norris had arguably the most turbulent evening among the frontrunners. After a mistake in qualifying relegated him to sixth on the grid, Norris surged to third within the opening corners, only to receive a five-second penalty for lining up incorrectly at the start.
His race was further complicated by a scrappy middle stint, including a tussle with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton after the Safety Car period. A lock-up during a failed move on Leclerc cost him vital time, and although he eventually passed the Ferrari and closed in on Russell, a mistimed lunge on the final lap sealed his fate.
“A messy race from me,” Norris admitted. “Too many mistakes, especially with the overtakes. I’m disappointed not to get the one-two for McLaren, especially here in Bahrain.”
Ferrari: Mixed Fortunes as Leclerc Slips, Hamilton Climbs
Ferrari endured a bittersweet weekend. Charles Leclerc, who started on the front row, botched his launch and faded to fourth. He later struggled to keep Norris at bay and missed out on the podium. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, in his final season with Ferrari before departing for Mercedes, gained four positions to finish fifth, executing a clean, if unspectacular, recovery drive.
Verstappen’s Frustration Mounts
For reigning world champion Max Verstappen, the Bahrain GP was a rare display of vulnerability. A sluggish start and two botched pit stops left him battling in the midfield for most of the race. A last-lap overtake on Alpine’s Pierre Gasly salvaged sixth, but the Dutchman now trails championship leader Norris by eight points.
Red Bull’s woes continued as teammate Yuki Tsunoda secured a modest ninth place, his first points of the season while Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman finished eighth and tenth, respectively. Bearman’s performance, climbing 16 places to score his first-ever F1 point, was one of the day’s standout achievements.
Constructors’ Race: McLaren in Control
With Piastri and Norris both on the podium, McLaren solidified their position at the top of the team standings, further stretching the gap to Mercedes. Bahrain marked their first-ever victory at the Sakhir circuit under its Bahrain-based ownership, a symbolic achievement in front of their backers.
The team’s strategic brilliance, particularly their decision to save a fresh set of medium tyres for the second stop, paid dividends after the Safety Car shuffled the order.
Championship Standings (After Bahrain GP)
- Drivers’ Championship
- Lando Norris – 98 pts
- Oscar Piastri – 95 pts
- Max Verstappen – 90 pts
- George Russell – 76 pts
- Charles Leclerc – 72 pts
- Constructors’ Championship
- McLaren – 182 pts
- Mercedes – 124 pts
- Red Bull – 117 pts
- Ferrari – 110 pts
- Haas – 41 pts
Looking Ahead
With Piastri becoming the first two-time winner of the season, the championship battle is heating up. Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen remain separated by just eight points, and with Mercedes and Ferrari also making gains, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Next stop: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Will McLaren continue their charge, or can Verstappen reclaim lost ground?
