Piastri Gives McLaren First Win In Bahrain

Young Australian star Oscar Piastri powered his way to an incredible victory in the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to give McLaren their first-ever victory in the Kingdom.

‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ was the setting for a thrilling 57-lap night race, held under lights as the fourth round of the 2025 FIA F1 World Championship.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, presented Piastri the winning driver’s trophy during the podium ceremonies.

Also giving out trophies were His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS); His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Motor Federation and Vice-President for Sport for MENA of the FIA; and His Excellency Khalid Taqi, Chairman of the Board of Gulf Air Group.

The event celebrated 75 years of F1 and of Bahrain’s national carrier and grand prix title sponsor, Gulf Air.

In attendance at the start during the pre-race formalities were HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad; His Excellency Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group; His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA); HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa; and His Excellency Aref Rahimi, Chairman of BIC.

Piastri, 24, claimed the victory from pole position. It was the fourth win of his F1 career and second of the season, following his triumph in China, and it all came in his 50th F1 race.

Piastri had a quick getaway at the start and maintained a strong pace throughout the race. He did well to stay ahead following a safety car period a little beyond the race’s midway point, and then, with clear air ahead of him, extended his lead enroute to taking the chequered flag as the fireworks lit up the Sakhir sky in style.

Luca di Montezemolo, former Chairperson of Ferrari, had the honour of waving the chequered flag at the end of the race.

Piastri took the win 15.499 seconds ahead of runner-up George Russell of Mercedes, who did well to fend off a late charge from Piastri’s McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who came third, finishing 16.273s from the victor.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc narrowly missed out on the podium after Norris’s late surge. He was 19.679s behind Piastri, while teammate Lewis Hamilton finished 27.993s adrift.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing was sixth 34.395s back, Pierre Gasly seventh for Alpine 36.002s behind, and Estban Ocon eighth for Haas 44.244s from the leader.

Yuki Tsunoda (+45.061s) of Red Bull Racing and Oliver Bearman (+47.594s) completed the top 10.

Classified 11th through 19th, respectively, were Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli (+48.016s), Williams’ Alexander Albon (+48.839s), Kick Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg (+53.472s), Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar (+56.314s), Alpine’s Jack Doohan (+57.806s), Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso (+60.340s), Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson (+64.435s), Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll (+65.489s), and Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto (66.872s). Williams’ Carlos Sainz did not finish.

Meanwhile, the BIC announced that a record, sell-out crowd was present to witness Piastri notch up his maiden win in Bahrain.

37,700 spectators were on hand to witness an incredible spectacle of racing and entertainment, with a total of 105,000 attending over the weekend.

“I congratulate Oscar Piastri on his victory in Bahrain and the McLaren F1 Team on their first win at our Sakhir circuit,” said BIC chairman Aref Rahimi.

“This year has yet again demonstrated the incredible popularity of motorsport around the world. Our crowds grow bigger every year and their passion for the sport and energy they bring to the race weekend is profound. This gives us great confidence for the future of this great sport in Bahrain.

“An event of this scale would not be possible without the support of Formula One and the FIA, so I offer them my sincere thanks. I also thank the teams, The Bahrain Motor Federation, marshals and all those who enable us to put on the spectacle for fans around the world.”

BIC CEO Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa added: “This weekend, we have again seen record crowds coming to BIC, including our highest number of international fans, to witness an incredible spectacle of racing and entertainment.

“After 21 years of F1, we are especially encouraged by the generation of fans in Bahrain who have grown up with the sport and come every year and bring their passion to the packed grandstands.

“I thank everyone who has made this weekend possible and look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026, as we continue to strive to provide incredible memories for our fans.”

GO: Visit www.bahraingp.com or www.f1.com for more information.