Will Oscar Piastri deliver a brilliant performance in Bahrain, leading to a power shift at McLaren? And who might be the surprise name on the podium? This and more in our preview of the Bahrain GP. In just a few hours, these questions will be answered. It’s already clear that Max Verstappen doesn’t expect much from the race in his RB21. But with or without orange-tinted glasses, the Bahrain race has plenty to offer F1 enthusiasts. Here are four things to watch out for:
1. Piastri as the new McLaren leader?
Oscar Piastri is dominating this weekend, so don’t be surprised if he cruises from pole to victory in Bahrain. His main competitor on paper, given McLaren’s current dominance, is teammate Lando Norris. However, Norris is starting in sixth place, so Piastri doesn’t have much to worry about him. Could this be a shift in power dynamics? If Piastri beats Norris today, he will take over as McLaren’s lead driver. Last year, Norris was superior, but this year, they are closely matched. Now, Piastri has the chance to seize power, or at least make a strong bid for it.
2. A surprise on the podium?
“Lando will just move forward,” Max Verstappen predicted on Saturday after qualifying in Bahrain. But who would then finish third behind the McLaren duo, if that’s the case? Verstappen himself? “A podium? Well, you never know. But…” No, apparently not. He doesn’t seem too optimistic, being a realist. The Dutchman will also have to contend with Ferrari and Mercedes from P7. And the latter team, in particular, is making a good impression in Bahrain.
Admittedly, the temperatures during qualifying were in their favor. If that’s the case in the race today, Mercedes could make a bid for the podium. The penalties for drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli won’t change that. Given his experience, it’s clear that Russell is the favorite to join Piastri and, for example, Norris on the podium after the race. But what about the mega-talent Antonelli? No pressure, just racing and seeing where the German-British Mercedes ship ends up. Maybe, just maybe, in third place. A first podium for Antonelli would be something. So sit back and enjoy. Because the young Italian (18) has been pleasantly surprising so far.
The Strategy
The winter test from earlier this year, last year’s race; all the data from then says little to nothing about today’s strategy. The temperatures are different now (read: warmer). The tyre degradation on the robust asphalt in Bahrain will influence the strategy of Piastri and his rivals, as will the number of compounds you have left. For instance, Pierre Gasly is the only one with two sets of new hard tyres left, while both Mercedes drivers, unlike other top teams, have extra softs and only one set of medium and hard tyres each.
In short: various strategies are possible. But a two-stopper, weather permitting, is likely to be the strategy of choice.
Points for Alpine?
Many thought (and still think) that he would soon be replaced, especially after the crash in Japan. But Jack Doohan is not giving up; in the qualifiers, he missed out on Q3 by just seventeen-thousandths of a second. The Alpine driver is starting in eleventh place, which is quite good for him. And for Alpine too. There’s a chance for points! And they haven’t had any this season. But… it gets even better for the team of Flavio Briatore and his associates, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Saturday.
What about Pierre Gasly? He’s starting in fourth place. FOURTH. Yes, it’s true – thanks to the penalty for Mercedes after the qualifiers, but still. It’s quite an achievement and a golden opportunity to finally score the first points for the French team. You would think it’s almost impossible to mess this up.
And furthermore…
…the circuit is 5412 meters long
…57 laps will be driven
…the first GP Bahrain was in 2004
…there is a 63 percent chance of a safety car
…the race starts at 15:00 UTC
