Bahrain Grand Prix Set for Scorching Conditions This Weekend

Sakhir, Bahrain — The Formula 1 circus returns to Sakhir this week for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2025 season, as teams and drivers prepare for a challenging weekend marked by soaring temperatures.

With three different winners in the opening races, the competition is heating up—literally. After experiencing relatively cool conditions in Suzuka with temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius, drivers will now face temperatures expected to hit a staggering 40 degrees Celsius during the event.

Media day on Thursday is anticipated to be especially grueling, as many personnel will contend with the sweltering heat while setting up for the event. “It’s not only uncomfortable, but it also poses challenges for everyone involved in the race preparations,” a team member noted. Friday’s first practice session (FP1) is set to unfold in about 32 degrees under full sunlight, with no chance of rain, making it one of the most demanding sessions of the season.

The evening events of qualifying and the race are expected to be more manageable conditions, with temperatures dropping to approximately 26 degrees Celsius for Sunday’s race start at 6 p.m. local time. However, this decrease in temperature will coincide with higher humidity levels, raising concerns about how drivers will maintain their performance.

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, fresh off a win at Suzuka, will be looking to continue his momentum. However, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are anticipated to provide stiff competition in the heat. “We’re in for a thrilling showdown,” said Norris, who currently leads the drivers’ championship with 62 points, just ahead of Verstappen’s 61.

Ferrari will also enter the fray with their first seasonal upgrade, aiming to disrupt the front-runners. “Brace for a fiercely competitive weekend,” remarked a Ferrari spokesperson. The compact nature of the Bahrain circuit means no team can rely on historical data alone, positioning drivers for a day of unpredictable outcomes.

In preparation for the extreme heat, Red Bull announced that Ayumu Iwasa will substitute for Verstappen during the first practice session, a rule intended to provide rookie drivers experience. “This is a valuable opportunity for me,” Iwasa stated, who previously drove for the team during the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix. “I’m excited to contribute where I can.”

With race week upon them, teams have started bracing for the demanding conditions that Sakhir is known for. This dramatic weather shift from Japan to Bahrain is expected to challenge the endurance and strategic flexibility of all competitors.