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British Grand Prix 2024 Review: Hamilton is Back on The Top Step

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10 months ago

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British Grand Prix 2024 Review: Hamilton is Back on The Top Step

Lewis Hamilton’s first Formula 1 win in 945 days was the highlight of this year’s rain-affected British Grand Prix. However, the weekend was packed with numerous plotlines and announcements. Here are the biggest stories that emerged from this year’s event at Silverstone.

Winning moment for Hamilton (Image: formula 1)
Hamilton receiving the trophy (Image: X/Formula 1)

Despite the usual jabs about a “classic British summer,” the 2024 British Grand Prix weekend was besieged by unseasonably cold and wet weather. It felt more like a reluctant farewell to winter rather than a sun-drenched July. While the fans who left their coats at home might have found the conditions less than ideal, the sporadic downpours added a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the Silverstone race. Victory seemed within reach for multiple drivers throughout the 52-lap contest, with all three British racers leading at different points. In a fitting finale to his Mercedes career, Lewis Hamilton clinched his ninth Silverstone win, adding another emotional chapter to his storied history at the circuit. This year’s Northamptonshire visit offered more than just racing thrills; the driver market buzzed with activity, rivaling the drama of an upcoming F1 film. Here’s a deep dive into everything we learned from the 2024 British Grand Prix weekend.

McLaren Dominates FP1 as Rain and Rookie Debuts Mark Opening Day at Silverstone

The opening day of track action at the 2024 British Grand Prix saw McLaren dominate the first practice session, with Red Bull notably absent from the top times. Lando Norris led FP1 with a 1m27.420s, followed by Lance Stroll for Aston Martin with a 1m27.554s. The session kicked off under typical British weather, with spots of rain delaying the track’s rubbering in.

Yuki Tsunoda’s early spin into the Luffield gravel

Noteworthy moments included Yuki Tsunoda’s early spin into the Luffield gravel, limiting his laps to just five, and Oscar Piastri’s late pit stop due to a fuel cell problem. Additionally, four rookies made their appearances: Ollie Bearman at Haas, Jack Doohan at Alpine, Franco Colapinto at Williams, and Isack Hadjar in Perez’s RB20. This intriguing start was set for an exciting and unpredictable weekend at Silverstone.

Verstappen’s Struggles and McLaren’s Surge Highlight Rain-Interrupted FP2 at Silverstone

In the second practice session of the 2024 British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen initially showed promise on the medium tyres, setting the fastest lap with a 1m27.831s. However, as the session progressed, the Red Bull team made a strategic decision to switch Verstappen to soft tyres earlier than planned due to the threat of rain. This deviation from the norm saw Verstappen attempt a qualifying simulation, but an oversteer snap exiting Becketts forced him to abandon his lap.

As other teams adhered to their usual run plans, Charles Leclerc briefly topped the timesheets on mediums before Nico Hulkenberg’s surprising leap into contention for Haas. The McLaren duo then took control, with Oscar Piastri initially leading before Lando Norris clocked the fastest time of 1m26.549s. Sergio Perez slotted into third, 0.434s behind Norris, in a late run.

Verstappen’s second qualifying attempt on new softs was also cut short due to an oversteer moment, and as the session transitioned to long runs, the anticipated rain finally arrived, curtailing the action.

Data analysis revealed that Verstappen’s lower position in the FP2 standings was partly due to changing conditions, with rising wind and temperature making it harder for subsequent runners. Despite this, the increased track rubbering benefited his rivals. Red Bull’s RB20 excelled in high-speed sections but struggled with balance through Silverstone’s varied cornering demands, losing significant time in low-speed areas.

Overall, in FP2, with McLaren’s strong performance hinting at a potential Verstappen vs. Norris showdown and Red Bull working to fine-tune their setup for the challenging circuit.

Mercedes Dominate Wet FP3 as Rain Adds Drama to British Grand Prix Weekend

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two during a wet and dramatic third practice session at the 2024 British Grand Prix, outperforming McLaren’s Friday pace-setter, Lando Norris. Overnight heavy rainfall turned Silverstone into a challenging sodden track, requiring drivers to rely heavily on Pirelli’s intermediate tyres.

The session began with Haas driver Kevin Magnussen setting a cautious initial time of 1m54.798s, significantly slower than Norris’s Friday benchmark. Max Verstappen experienced a dramatic spin at the exit of Brooklands, while Pierre Gasly lost control under braking for Club, beaching his car in the gravel and causing a red flag.

Pierre Gasly lost control under braking

Despite these challenges, Mercedes showcased their wet-weather prowess, with Russell leading the session and Hamilton close behind. Norris continued to show strong form, staying within striking distance of the Mercedes duo, suggesting that McLaren could be serious contenders for the rest of the weekend.

As the session progressed, drivers gradually adjusted to the conditions, with times steadily improving, even with Max nailing a perfect 360-degree spin on the track. The wet track leveled the playing field, turning strategy and tire management into crucial factors for qualifying and race day. With weather continuing to play a major role, the British Grand Prix was shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle at the storied Silverstone circuit.

Russell clinches Pole in Thrilling Wet-Dry British Grand Prix Qualifying

George Russell secured pole position at the 2024 British Grand Prix, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Lando Norris, after a nail-biting one-hour qualifying session. The session, divided into three segments with five cars being knocked out in Q1 and Q2 before the top-10 shootout in Q3, saw changing weather conditions adding an extra layer of drama.

Q1

The session kicked off in damp conditions, with Max Verstappen initially setting the pace on intermediate tyres with a 1m37.518s. As the track dried, Hamilton improved to 1m37.134s. A crucial turning point came when Red Bull’s Sergio Perez spun off at Copse, causing a red flag with 7m30s remaining.

Sergio Perez spun off at Copse

Once the session resumed, drivers switched to slicks, though heavy rain loomed nearby. Verstappen went off at Copse but managed to navigate through the gravel, sustaining floor damage but avoiding a spin. Oscar Piastri then led with a 1m30.895s as a brief shower hit, but the track dried again for the final laps. Hamilton topped the timesheets with a 1m29.547s, followed by Russell and the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Piastri dropped to sixth. Eliminated in Q1 were Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, Esteban Ocon, Perez, and Pierre Gasly.

Q2

Oscar Piastri set the early pace in Q2 with a 1m26.945s, but the final runs were decisive. Lando Norris posted a 1m26.559s, besting Russell by 0.164s. Knocked out at this stage were Leclerc, Logan Sargeant, Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyu, and Daniel Ricciardo.

Q3

In the first runs of Q3, Russell led with a 1m26.024s, narrowly ahead of Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, and Verstappen. On the final runs, Hamilton momentarily took provisional pole with a 1m25.990s, but Russell reclaimed the top spot with a blistering 1m25.819s. Norris aborted his final lap after a minor mistake, settling for third place. Verstappen managed fourth, followed by Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, Sainz, Lance Stroll, Alex Albon, and Fernando Alonso.

This qualifying session, marked by rapidly changing weather conditions and strategic tire choices. Russell’s pole position, secured under immense pressure, highlighted Mercedes’ strength and adaptability. While McLaren’s strong showing suggested that they will be formidable contenders throughout the weekend.

Qualifying P1, P2 and P3
Russell P1, Hamilton P2 and Norris P3 in qualifying (Image: www.silverstone.co.uk)

Hamilton Claims Record-Breaking Ninth British Grand Prix Victory in Thrilling Silverstone Race

Lewis Hamilton achieved a historic ninth British Grand Prix victory at Silverstone, holding off a determined challenge from Lando Norris. In a race marked by changing weather conditions and strategic pit stops. The win, Hamilton’s first since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, was an emotional and monumental moment for the Mercedes driver and his team.

British Grand Prix 2024 Review: Hamilton is Back on The Top Step
Starting lap of the race. (Image: X/Formula 1)

The race began with pole-sitter George Russell leading the way. An intense battle soon unfolded between the Mercedes duo and the McLaren pair of Norris and Oscar Piastri. As the weather fluctuated, teams had to navigate the tricky switch between intermediate and slick tyres. Hamilton capitalized on the conditions, pitting for slicks one lap before Norris, who also faced a slow pit stop, allowing Hamilton to take the lead.

Mid-Race Drama and Strategic Mastery

Russell’s strong start ended in disappointment as he retired due to a water system issue. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen made a late surge to snatch P2 from Norris. Hamilton, however, maintained his position at the front, showcasing his skill and experience to secure the win. The Mercedes driver managed to hold off Norris and a charging Verstappen, crossing the finish line to the delight of the home crowd.

Russell retired due to a water system issue

Final Standings and Key Performances

Norris secured a well-deserved third place, while Piastri finished fourth, reflecting McLaren’s strong performance throughout the weekend. Carlos Sainz took fifth place, followed by Nico Hulkenberg in sixth, delivering a solid result for Haas. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso secured points for Aston Martin in seventh and eighth, respectively, with Alex Albon finishing ninth for Williams. Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top ten.

Valtteri Bottas led the Kick Sauber team in 15th, while Esteban Ocon managed 16th for Alpine. Sergio Perez had another challenging race, ending 17th, with Zhou Guanyu finishing 18th for Kick Sauber. Pierre Gasly and Russell were the only retirees, with Gasly suffering a gearbox issue.

A Historic Victory and Emotional Moment

Hamilton’s win was a record-breaking ninth victory at the British Grand Prix, making him the most successful driver in the event’s history. The victory was an emotional one for Hamilton, who expressed his gratitude to his team and fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and hard work. “It means a lot to get this one,” Hamilton said over the radio, reflecting on the significance of his achievement.

“I can’t stop crying! It’s been since 2021, every day getting up, trying to fight, to train, to put my mind to the task and work as hard as I can with this amazing team. This is my last race here at the British Grand Prix with this team, so I wanted to win this so much for them, because I love them, I appreciate them so much, all the hard work they’ve been putting in all over these years.

-Hamilton

The 2024 British Grand Prix was a thrilling and unpredictable race. Showcasing the best of Formula 1 with strategic brilliance, driver skill, and the ever-present element of weather drama. Hamilton’s historic victory will be remembered as a highlight of the season. Further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

winning moment for hamilton

Anticipation Builds for the Hungarian Grand Prix: The Next Challenge in the 2024 F1 Season

Following the excitement at Silverstone and the end of an amazing triper header, the 2024 Formula 1 season heads to the tight and twisty Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix, running from July 19th to July 21st. Known for its technical demands and minimal overtaking opportunities, this race will test the drivers’ precision and strategic acumen. With 6 different Winners in last 12 races, the contest has become interesting. The Budapest circuit’s challenging layout contrasts sharply with Silverstone’s high-speed nature, promising another thrilling chapter in the championship battle. Fans can expect intense practice sessions on Friday, a gripping qualifying round on Saturday, and an action-packed race on Sunday. As drivers navigate the intricate course in pursuit of victory.

Championship Standings after the race:

Verstappen extends his championship lead on top, while Perez slips to 6th and Piastri moves to 5th.

British Grand Prix 2024 Review: Hamilton is Back on The Top Step
Drivers Standing (Image: Formula 1)

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Formula 1

Oscar Piastri Takes Two On The Trot: Formula 1 Saudi Arabia GP

Published

5 days ago

on

April 22, 2025

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Oscar Piastri with his winner trophy
Credits: Formula One

McLaren and Oscar Piastri managed to take their first-ever win in the streets of Jeddah after fending off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc scores Ferrari’s first podium of the 2025 season. Lando Norris recovers to 4th position whilst the Mercedes pair struggle with tire wear.

McLaren: Two shots at the WDC

Oscar Piastri claimed his second consecutive Grand Prix win, backing up his dominant performance in Bahrain with a hard-fought victory in Jeddah. The Australian started from P2, just 0.010s off Max Verstappen’s pole time, but managed a lightning launch off the line.

A dramatic Turn 1 saw slight contact between Piastri and Verstappen, which left the Red Bull driver with a 5-second time penalty but still in control of the race in terms of track position. Piastri struggled to follow in dirty air, dropping back by 2–3 seconds before jumping Verstappen during the pit stop phase. Once in clean air, he managed the race flawlessly, holding a 4-second cushion to seal his second win of 2025.

Embed from Getty Images


Despite showing blistering pace in practice, Lando Norris made a costly error in Q3 that left him starting P10. Opting for an alternate strategy, Norris began the race on Hard tyres while the rest of the grid, bar a few, went with the Mediums.

The strategy paid off. A long opening stint gave him fresh Mediums in the second half, allowing him to slice through the field. He passed George Russell late in the race to secure a commendable P4 finish.

Embed from Getty Images

Red Bull: Fast But Flawed

Max Verstappen looked to have bounced back from a disappointing Bahrain with a pole position on Saturday and solid pace on Sunday. However, the Turn 1 tangle with Piastri cost him dearly, with the resulting 5-second penalty handed out during his pit stop.

Although he had the pace to stay close, Verstappen couldn’t get within DRS range of the McLaren in front and had to settle for P2.

On the other side of the garage, Yuki Tsunoda qualified a strong P9 but was involved in a Lap 1 incident with Pierre Gasly, forcing him to retire early and triggering the first Safety Car.

Verstappen comes second to Piastri in Jeddah
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 20: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing lifts his trophy on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 20, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202504200325 // Usage for editorial use only //

Mercedes: Tire Woes in the Desert

Both Mercedes drivers started strong, with Russell in P3 and rookie Kimi Antonelli in P5, but tire degradation quickly became an issue.

Forced to pit earlier than ideal, both drivers faded in the second stint. Russell was overtaken by both Leclerc and Norris, while Antonelli came under late pressure from Hamilton but held on to P6. Despite the struggles, Mercedes remains second in the Constructors’ standings.

Ferrari On The Podium

Charles Leclerc finally opened Ferrari’s podium account for 2025. Starting from the second row, the Monegasque opted for an overcut strategy, running 30 laps on his opening Medium stint. With fresher tires in the second half, Leclerc was able to pass George Russell and hold off a charging Lando Norris for P3.

Teammate Lewis Hamilton had a more difficult day, finishing P7 after a quiet race, nearly 31 seconds off Leclerc.

Embed from Getty Images

Williams Bounce Back With Double Points

Williams bounced back after a tough Bahrain weekend. Carlos Sainz qualified P8 and maintained the position throughout the race.

Alex Albon, starting P11, drove a clean, smart race to finish P9. In the closing laps, rookie Isack Hadjar tried to pressure both Williams drivers, but Sainz cleverly stayed within DRS range of Albon, helping the team lock down a double points finish.


Racing Bulls Sneak Into The Points

Liam Lawson outqualified teammate Isack Hadjar for the first time this season in P12, but his race was undone by a 10-second penalty for an incident with Jack Doohan.

Hadjar, meanwhile, employed an offset strategy similar to Norris’, climbing from P14 to finish in P10 — his second points finish in as many races.

Alpine Leaves Points On The Table

Pierre Gasly looked set for another strong weekend, qualifying P9. But a Lap 1 tangle with Yuki Tsunoda ended his race early. Jack Doohan had little to celebrate too, starting P17 and finishing P18 — a tough outing for the Enstone team.

Haas Underwhelms

It was a subdued weekend for Haas. Esteban Ocon was knocked out in Q1 and finished P14, having pitted early under the Safety Car. Oliver Bearman, who debuted here last year, showed quiet improvement to take P13 — but neither driver challenged for points.

Aston’s Attempt To Extract Performance

Fernando Alonso had a low-key but clean race, climbing from P13 to finish P12. Lance Stroll, meanwhile, made headlines for the wrong reasons — his 75th Q1 exit now makes him the driver with the most Q1 eliminations in F1 history. He started and finished in P16.

Embed from Getty Images

Sauber’s Increasing Frustration

Another race, another struggle for Sauber. Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto started 18th and 20th, respectively, and finished in P15 and P17. Once again, the Swiss team left the race with zero points and growing frustration.

Driver Standings

Oscar Piastri now leads the McLaren charge, 10 points clear of Norris and 12 ahead of Verstappen. It’s tight at the top.

Constructor’s Championship

McLaren strengthened their lead at the top, now leading Mercedes by 77 points. Red Bull trails Mercedes by 21 points. Ferrari is slowly extending their gap to Williams in P5.

Next Race At Miami

With a one-week break before the paddock heads to the U.S., all eyes are on McLaren. Lando will aim to repeat his 2024 Miami heroics, while Piastri looks to build his lead. Max Verstappen, meanwhile, will be desperate to strike back at a track he usually dominates.


Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

Jeddah’s High-Speed Challenge: Bravery, Precision, and Peril Await at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

As the final stop of the triple-header, Formula 1 heads to Jeddah. One of the fastest and most challenging street circuits on the calendar, setting the stage for a thrilling race weekend.

Published

1 week ago

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April 18, 2025

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Jeddah’s High-Speed Challenge: Bravery, Precision, and Peril Await at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The Formula 1 circus heads to Jeddah for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where speed and precision will be pushed to the limit. Known for its blistering pace and unforgiving layout, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit leaves no room for error. With narrow walls, high-speed corners, and minimal margins, it’s a true test of nerve. Drivers and teams will need sharp focus as the championship begins to take shape under the lights of the Arabian coast.

About The Circuit

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, designed by Carsten Tilke, son of renowned track designer Hermann Tilke, is a challenging and fast street circuit that spans 6.1 kilometres along the Red Sea coast. It is characterized by 27 corners, most of which are high-speed and require precise car control through quick changes in direction. The circuit’s layout, with a mix of long straights and tight corners, presents 2 crucial overtaking opportunities, particularly into Turn 1 and Turn 27. The narrow nature of the track, combined with concrete walls just millimetres away, adds a high-risk element, making every mistake potentially race-ending.


While the technical sections test a car’s balance and setup, the long straights allow teams to focus on straight-line speed and braking stability. The night race, illuminated by bright floodlights, increases the sense of urgency, as visibility can be tricky around some of the track’s tighter corners, demanding even more from the drivers’ reflexes and strategic thinking.

Jeddah’s High-Speed Challenge: Bravery, Precision, and Peril Await at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

(Credit – formula1.com)



Tires For This Weekend



For Round 5 of the season, Pirelli has opted for a softer compound range than seen in Rounds 1–4. Teams will have the C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium), and C5 (Soft) tyres available in Jeddah.

This softer allocation suggests a likely shift towards two-stop strategies for most teams, although some may attempt a one-stopper with extreme tyre management. Final strategies will become clearer after FP3, once teams have completed longer race simulation runs.

What to look out for

McLaren Duel: Teammates Turn Title Rivals

McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris currently lead the World Drivers’ Championship, separated by just three points. Piastri will be looking to build on his flawless weekend in Bahrain, where he showcased consistency and composure. The Jeddah circuit has been kind to him in the past—he won both the Sprint and Feature Race here during the 2021 F2 season.

Lando Norris will be looking to get back to form and maintain his WDC lead after his messy weekend in Bahrain.

“Jeddah is a track that I really enjoy and have good memories of from past visits. I’m determined to hit the ground running in Saudi.”, said Piastri.


Red Bull Reset: Pressure Mounts After Bahrain Blip

Red Bull endured a disappointing race in Bahrain, with Max Verstappen finishing sixth and Yuki Tsunoda claiming just two points in ninth. Tensions reportedly rose behind the scenes, as Verstappen’s camp clashed with Helmut Marko over team performance.

Despite the drama, Verstappen has a strong track record in Jeddah, having won in 2022 and 2024. He’ll be eager to return to form this weekend. Tsunoda, on the other hand, will focus on scoring solid points and strengthening his position within the team.



Mercedes Momentum: Russell Shines, Antonelli Grows

George Russell impressed once again with a P2 finish in Bahrain, holding off Norris in the final laps. With three podiums in four races, he’ll aim to extend his strong form. Rookie Kimi Antonelli also shone in qualifying, though a strategic blunder compromised his race. He’ll be hoping for a clean weekend and a shot at his first F1 points.


Ferrari’s Next Step: Hamilton Adapts, Leclerc Targets Podium

Ferrari introduced an upgrade package in Bahrain – which Lewis Hamilton praised – saying he’s beginning to better understand the car’s behaviour. He hopes to convert that knowledge into a stronger result in Jeddah. Charles Leclerc, who finished P4 the last time around, is also targeting a podium finish.



Williams Regroup: Sainz and Albon Aim to Rebound

After a frustrating weekend in Bahrain filled with penalties and missed opportunities, Williams will look to return to the points. Carlos Sainz was handed four penalty points for two incidents, while Alex Albon narrowly missed out on a top-10 finish. Both drivers are motivated to rebound and regain momentum.

Embed from Getty Images


Haas on the Rise: Ocon and Bearman Impress Again

Haas had a surprisingly strong showing in Bahrain, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman finishing 8th and 10th respectively to finish in the points. Another double-points finish would be a huge achievement for the American team. Bearman also made his F1 debut at this circuit last year, finishing ahead of Norris and Hamilton.

“It’s difficult to predict exactly how the VF-25 will perform in Jeddah”, said Ayao Komatsu

Embed from Getty Images


Lawson Under Pressure: Crucial Weekend Ahead

Liam Lawson has yet to score a point this season and has underperformed in all four races so far. With Red Bull’s known impatience toward underperforming drivers, Lawson will be under pressure to deliver. Teammate Isack Hadjar, on the other hand, has shown promising race pace and consistency.

Liam Lawson looks on in his cockpit during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 17: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls looks on in his cockpit during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 17, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202504171383 // Usage for editorial use only //


Aston Martin and Alpine’s Recovery

Aston Martin is still searching for form in 2025. Fernando Alonso has yet to score a point this season, while Lance Stroll has managed two points finishes out of four races. They’ll be looking to break into the top 10 in Jeddah.

Embed from Getty Images



Alpine had their best showing of the season in Bahrain, with Pierre Gasly finishing just shy of sixth place and Jack Doohan close behind. The French outfit hopes to build on that momentum this weekend.



Sauber’s Search for Stability

Sauber has had a disappointing start to the season. Nico Hülkenberg’s only points came from the chaotic Australian Grand Prix, while Gabriel Bortoleto is still searching for form after four underwhelming races.

Embed from Getty Images



Weekend Schedule




Weather Forecast

Friday: 31°C, wind speeds up to 16 km/h

Saturday: 32°C, wind speeds up to 14 km/h

Sunday: 33°C, wind speeds up to 18 km/h

The stable conditions will allow teams to collect consistent data across all sessions.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

Oscar Piastri Perfects Bahrain Masterclass as McLaren Clinches Double Podium

Drama, divebombs, strategy shake-ups, and a weekend to remember under the Sakhir lights.

Published

2 weeks ago

on

April 15, 2025

By

Oscar Piastri with his winners trophy at the podium of the Bahrain Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri executes his race to perfection, George Russell holds off Brit Lando Norris for P2, Ferrari makes offset strategy work, RedBull Pitstop Woes, Alpine Shock, Race-altering strategy calls, thrilling divebombs, we saw it ALL this weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

McLaren Dominate: Piastri’s Perfection, Lando’s Recovery

Embed from Getty Images

Oscar Piastri delivered a flawless drive to take his fourth Formula 1 victory, converting pole into a controlled race win for McLaren. Despite briefly surrendering the lead during pit stop cycles, the Australian dominated the race from start to finish, showcasing calm execution and strategic awareness.

This result also marked McLaren’s 192nd win as a constructor, and with the maximum points haul, Piastri reduced his deficit to teammate Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship to just three points.

On the other side of the garage, Norris had a tougher start. A disappointing qualifying session saw him line up P6, and a 5-second grid penalty was handed to him after he overshot his grid box—a mistake noticed by title rival Max Verstappen.

At lights out, Lando had a blazing start, jumping all the way up to P3 on Lap 1. Lando was unable to get past George Russell for Second place before the first round of pit stops, serving his penalty in the pits, he came out behind Charles Leclerc after all the softs runners had completed their pitstops, being able to overtake Charles on New Medium Tires put him behind the Mercedes-ran George Russell once again. The chase for P2 went on till the last lap of the race, where George ultimately held on to the second spot on the podium.

Mercedes Prevail Despite Technical Issues

Both the Mercedes Drivers had a stellar Saturday, with George Russel and Kimi Antonelli Qualifying P2 and P4 respectively, but a post-qualifying penalty for the pair of them dropped them to P3 and P4.

George had a good start to the race, jumping ahead of Leclerc’s Ferrari into P2, and he stayed in P2 crossing the chequered flag after 57 laps. However, it was easier said than done for the Brit. Following a mid-race Safety Car caused by debris on the track, George Russell was faced with the challenge of taking a scrub set of softs for 20 laps to the end, whilst almost every driver around him bar the Ferraris were on Mediums.

To add to the challenge his tires presented, he had multiple issues hampering his performance.

“It felt all under control for a moment, then suddenly we had a brake-by-wire failure, so the pedal was going long, then it was going short… I didn’t know what was going on… the steering wheel wasn’t working properly,” Russell explained.

He also had a DRS issue, where it had randomly opened whilst not in any DRS zone and also whilst he wasn’t within 1 second of any car ahead of him. Whether this is going to be a recurring issue for Mercedes, or a one-off, is something that we will get to know more about in the foreseeable future.

Oscar Piastri Perfects Bahrain Masterclass as McLaren Clinches Double Podium
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli on Saturday – Wolfgang Wilhelm


Kimi Antonelli on the other hand followed his career-best Qualifying Performance in P4 on track, which converted to P5 following his one-place grid penalty. He had a mediocre race start dropping him behind Carlos Sainz in P6. He stayed there for most of the race, later trailing behind Esteban Ocon in the Haas. Ultimately, he finished in P11 after a strategic miscalculation on behalf of Mercedes.


Ferrari’s Strategy Debate

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton started P2 and P9 respectively, both of them were notably on the Medium Compound Tires, whilst almost everyone else was on Softs. Charles Leclerc had his eyes on Polesitter Oscar Piastri but an underwhelming start dropped him down to P4 on Lap 1.

The Men in Red went long on their first stint of medium tires, resulting in them running 1-2 for lap 16-18. Before Charles’ In-lap, we were able to hear discussions about the strategy for Charles Leclerc. Leclerc wanted the Italian Outfit to consider moving to “Plan Delta” rather than the Ferrari-insisted “Plan Bravo”.

During the Safety Car Period, Both the Ferraris had to use the Hard Tires, to finish the race which was notably despised by 4-Time WDC Max Verstappen. Following a late race effort by Charles Leclerc to defend P3 from WDC Leader Lando Norris, it was a valiant effort from Leclerc but his defence could only last so many laps.

Lewis Hamilton had another day of learning, he managed to finish P5 behind his teammate, resulting in a decent point haul for Ferrari.



Pitstop Woes Haunt Red Bull

Following Verstappen’s masterclass at the Japanese Grand Prix, There were high hopes from the Red Bull Team. However, throughout the weekend, Red Bull struggled to find a good balance in the car. They had a disappointing qualifying and race overall, with Max qualifying in P7 behind his title-rival Lando Norris, and Yuki Tsunoda lining up 3 positions behind in P10.

The disappointment followed in the race, with slow pitstops for the pair of them caused by a LED malfunction of the pit box lights, holding up the drivers for 2 seconds more than it should have. Red Bull opted for the Hard tires on Verstappen’s car. Clear messages were heard on the radio about how the tires were not a good race tire, holding max up in traffic. Come the finish line, Verstappen pipped Alpine-driven by 1.3 Seconds to come home in P6, limiting the damage.

Recently promoted Yuki Tsunoda maintained his P10 position at the start, and was on a decent race until a collision with the Williams of Carlos Sainz almost hampered his performance. Luckily, Yuki was able to continue the race and secure the first points for a Red Bull Second Driver since Las Vegas 2024.



Alpine Shock The Grid

Pierre Gasly had a shock qualifying, dragging the Alpine car into Q3 and lining up on the Second Row!

Jack Doohan also had a brilliant one-lap pace in Q1, but unfortunately fell short and qualified just short of a Q3 appearance in P11.

At the race start, Pierre Gasly was jumped by Lando Norris. He was able to hold off Kimi Antonelli for a few laps before letting go of P5. Other than that, it was a clean and good race for the Frenchman and a decent points haul as well for finishing in P7. This is a good sign of progress for the French Team showing that they can be competitive come the right conditions.

Haas’ Mega Comeback To The Points

From P20 to P10, Oliver Bearman drove a sensational recovery race. His Haas teammate, Esteban Ocon, climbed from P15 to P8, making it a double-point finish for the American team—an incredible turnaround from a tough qualifying session.



Tricky Day For Williams

Albon Qualified P16, but a delayed lap time deletion of Nico Hulkenberg promoted him up to P15, unfortunately, he didn’t get a chance to participate in Q2 because of how late the lap time was deleted. In the race, he moved up 3 positions, finishing P12, being slightly shy of the points-paying positions.

Carlos Sainz excelled in qualifying and looked more comfortable in the car than his teammate for the first time this season. He qualified P8 and was looking forward to bagging home some points for his new team.

Throughout the race, he battled hard with Yuki Tsunoda and also collided with him at T2 on Lap 28, giving him considerable damage on his right side-pod, ultimately ending his race.
Some debris had come off the Williams car, bringing out a Mid-Race Safety Car on Lap 34.
The fight with Tsunoda gave Sainz 2x 10 Second Time Penalty of which 1 was left un-served. It will carry on as a grid penalty for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.



Underwhelming Race for Aston Martin and Racing Bulls

Both the Aston Martin Cars just did not have the performance in the car this weekend to bring out any points. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso qualified P19 and P13 respectively, and crossed the finish line in P17 and P15 respectively.

For the Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar qualified in P12, shy of a Q3 appearance. Liam Lawson had a DRS issue on his final Q1 run, holding him back from improving his laptime. Hence, leaving him P17.

There was not much to note from either of the cars, other than Hadjar trying to fight for the wooden spoon of the points.

Sauber Goes Back To The Drawing Board

Both the Saubers started closer to the back of the grid with Nico Hulkenberg starting P16 and Gabriel Bortoleto starting 2 positions behind in P18. They did not make much progress throughout the race, staying in the latter positions for most of the time.

A post-race disqualification for Nico Hulkenberg for Planck-Wear just added salt to the wound for the Sauber Team.


Overall Weekend Summary

The weekend was an overtake galore along with chaos and drama, Track Limits violations were awarded a whopping 36 times throughout the race. Red Bull’s progress through the field was affected by their pitstop woes. Lando still leads the WDC by 3 points over his teammate, and McLaren leads Mercedes in the constructors by 58 points.



What to expect coming into Saudi Arabia

Come the next week, The Formula 1 Season move to the Fast-Sweeping and Dangerous Street Circuit of Jeddah, where drivers will need to be at the limit at all times if they want a chance to finish high up considering how close the grid is. The track is known for having at least 1 red flag and/or Safety Cars. The track has the Second- Fastest average speed, being 250kmph. It also features the most corners on any track with 27 corners.

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