Circuit
Bahrain International Circuit
Sakhir, Bahrain
The Bahrain International Circuit is a desert track defined by its braking zones. Several hard stops reward strong traction and stable brakes, and the abrasive surface works the tyres hard over a race distance, so managing rear grip becomes a central theme. Run at night under floodlights, the cooler air adds another variable to how the tyres behave, and looking after them over a long stint often decides the race.
Located at Sakhir, it is a familiar proving ground where cars are tested and understood, in part because its demands on braking and tyre wear reveal a car's true balance. The floodlit desert setting gives the race a distinctive look and a genuine test of composure under load.
The gap, in metres
2025 Qualifying here. Each driver’s time gap converted to the distance it actually puts them behind at racing speed.
| # | Driver | Gap | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oscar Piastri | reference | — |
| 2 | George Russell | +0.168 | 14.7 m |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | +0.334 | 29.1 m |
| 4 | Kimi Antonelli | +0.372 | 32.4 m |
| 5 | Pierre Gasly | +0.375 | 32.7 m |
| 6 | Lando Norris | +0.426 | 37.2 m |
| 7 | Max Verstappen | +0.582 | 50.8 m |
| 8 | Carlos Sainz | +0.839 | 73.2 m |
| 9 | Lewis Hamilton | +0.931 | 81.2 m |
| 10 | Jack Doohan | +1.404 | 122.5 m |
Across the full field, Oscar Piastri to Oliver Bearman covers 220.8 m.
See the full 2025 Qualifying drawn to scaleOn the radio here
2,105 messages recorded at this circuit, 2018 to 2025.
- “So, man, it's going to be one hell of a party tonight. Well done, mate. Well done. That's the first time we've won our second home Grand Prix. You've been pretty flawless all weekend, so great job. Yeah, mega weekend, everyone. Mega. That was pretty damn fun. So thanks, everyone, for the car. Pretty special to do it here in Bahrain, so thanks to everyone that supports us out here. It's a busy weekend, and, yeah, thanks for all your support. It's been a long road to get here.”Oscar PIASTRI · 2025 Race
- “A lot of happy people here. I am glad, man. This is what we live for. Good job. Good job, everyone. Oli is dad. That was a top effort, mate. Outstanding. I love you. Thanks, dad. I know you did it for the points bonus. Hello, Thomas. Everyone's on here today. Nice job, Oli. Unbelievable. Thanks, man. Neil to Oliver. Neil to Oliver. Points mean. I'm not saying anything, mate. We all know what points mean. Right, I'm jumping out. So stop talking to me now.”Oliver BEARMAN · 2025 Race
- “Get in there. Yes. Well done, mate. Three wheels on my wagon. P2. Brilliant driving. Brilliant job. Great job. George, great job to bring that car over the line with soft tyres and with basically the BB brake power going passive. Really great, great, great, great. Great job. Thank you. That was not easy. I've even got my heart rate going now. No brakes, no steering wheel. What more do we need? At least it stayed on, though. Yes. Happy, happy, happy.”George RUSSELL · 2025 Race
- “He pushed me off. Yeah, that was very clear he pushed you off. I was all the way on the outside, like fully alongside on the apex. I was like wheel to wheel, front wheels and front wheels.”Lando NORRIS · 2025 Race