Lando Norris led the way in FP1 of F1 Bahrain GP ahead of Pierre Gasly and Lewis Hamilton, who improved late in the session to leap up to the Top 3.
The weather was hot for FP1 in F1 Bahrain GP unlike the last time they ran at Bahrain International Circuit in the pre-season test. There was lack of grip to start the session and lap times were off the fastest time, whether from the winter test and or last year’s running.
The grip issues led to lock-ups for several drivers including Mercedes’ Frederik Vesti – in place of George Russell – who had multiple against his name. The final corner saw wide moments to hamper their fast lap, with the likes of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda suffering from it.
The Japanese driver is under investigation along with Williams’ Alexander Albon for pitlane infringement, where the Thai driver was released in front of him and Tsunoda had to avoid him. The Thai racer is being looked at for impeding his teammate Luke Browning in a nearly scary moment.
Browning – filling in for Carlos Sainz – was approaching the right-hand corner at good speed when Albon tried to dive out taking the inside line, which caught out the F2 racer. At the front, McLaren’s Lando Norris set the pace with a 1m33.204s lap ahead of Pierre Gasly, in a surprise result for the Alpine driver.
With the new floor and exhaust, Hamilton spend most of the session on the hard tyre until the late push on the soft compound to finish third to demote Albon to fourth, who looked to have pace all-through the session. Haas’ Esteban Ocon had a good run in fifth, as the circuit layout helped their case.
Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg was sixth from Alpine’s Jack Doohan, with Visa Cash App RB’s Liam Lawson slotting in eighth ahead of Tsunoda and Piastri in the Top 10. Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto was 11th from Visa Cash App RB’s Isack Hadjar, as the lead FP1 runner was Browning in 13th after a late push.
Ferrari’s Dino Beganovic – in for Charles Leclerc – slotted in 14th after his late push. The Swede started out running the old floor, but the team decided to put the new one during the session for extra data. Aston Martin pair of Lance Stroll and Felipe Drugovich (Fernando Alonso) ended up 15th and 16th.
Haas’ Ryo Hirakawa – in for Oliver Bearman – was 17th for his first run with the team in 2025 after Alpine stint. Vesti and Red Bull’s Ayumu Iwasa ended up 18th and 19th after setting their best lap on the medium compound, as Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli missed the running due to an issue.
He complained about loss of power but the issue was not revealed by the team. Honda, meanwhile, fitted a new set of Energy Store and Control Electronics on all four cars of Tsunoda, Lawson, Hadjar and even Verstappen, who missed the FP1 session.
Here’s PU note: https://www.fia.com/system/files/decision-document/2025_bahrain_grand_prix_-_new_pu_elements_for_this_competition.pdf
Sponsor –
Barilla, the world’s biggest pasta producer, is to join Formula 1 as a new Official Partner in a multi-year deal starting this year. Sport and food have long been credited with bringing people together and both Formula 1 and Barilla put excellence and dedication at the heart of their work, making it the perfect partnership.
As an Official Partner, Barilla will have a strong presence both on and off the track and will encourage connection and the spirit of togetherness among fans who will be able to enjoy dishes from the Italian brand’s Pasta Bars around the Paddock, and in the prestigious Formula 1 Paddock Club.
Trackside signage, digital activations, and consumer promotions reaching millions of spectators worldwide will also bear the Barilla branding. The partnership will connect fans of both brands across the world, united by a passion for sports and the bonding tradition of sharing a meal.
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Barilla into the Formula 1 family, a collaboration flavoured with passion and heritage. Two stories that share the same values of excellence, authenticity and the pleasure of living extraordinary moments together. We cannot wait to start this incredible adventure with our new partner, certain that they will add an elevated taste to the emotions of F1.”
Paolo Barilla, Vice President of Barilla Group and former F1 driver, said: “A lightning-fast F1 car and a delicious plate of pasta: what do they have in common? At first, it may not be obvious, but behind both, and the effort that goes into making them, are skilled professionals, passionate and determined, driven by the desire to keep improving. Our greatest satisfaction is being able to offer all the men and women of F1, after an intense competition, a well-deserved plate of pasta”.
Ilaria Lodigiani, Barilla Chief Category & Marketing Officer, said: “We look forward to welcoming all Formula 1 fans to the table every race weekend to enjoy both the thrill of racing and the comfort of a great meal. This partnership is an invitation to celebrate the moments that matter together, because we believe that sharing a meal has the power to turn strangers into family. At the track, at home, or around a table, Barilla and Formula 1 unite people beyond sport and cuisine”.
