In a thrilling start to the F1 Bahrain GP 2025 weekend, McLaren’s Lando Norris dominated Free Practice 1, setting the pace ahead of Pierre Gasly and Lewis Hamilton. The session also saw rookie drivers in action, with standout performances and unexpected challenges.
Norris showcased his skill by topping the timesheets with a blistering lap time, indicating McLaren’s strong form early on. Gasly impressed in the Alpine, closely followed by the seasoned Hamilton in his Ferrari, showing that the competition for the weekend ahead will be fierce.
The session wasn’t just about the established names, as rookie drivers like Felipe Drugovich and Ayumu Iwasa had their chance to shine. With teams required to field rookie drivers in select sessions, these young talents added an element of unpredictability to the practice session.
Conditions in Sakhir proved to be demanding, with track temperatures reaching scorching levels. As teams prepared for the evening session under floodlights, strategies and setups were adjusted to adapt to the changing track dynamics, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of racing.
Ferrari and Mercedes opted for a different approach, focusing on setup changes and data collection rather than outright pace. Hamilton’s late surge to third place hinted at the potential for more from the veteran driver, while Ferrari tested upgrades to enhance their performance.
As the teams gear up for the main event, the competition is heating up, with each session providing valuable insights into the pecking order. With the field tightly packed and surprises at every turn, the F1 Bahrain GP 2025 promises to deliver high-octane action and intense battles on the track.
