F1 updates: Piastri on pole with championship rivals facing tough start

April 13, 2025 journo

Oscar Piastri has a golden opportunity to be the first driver this season to register multiple victories as he starts the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix from pole.

The McLaren driver, who converted from pole two rounds ago in China, will have Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for company at the front of the grid.

Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris and world champion Max Verstappen — the other grand prix winners through three rounds this season — will start sixth and seventh.

“I’ve felt good out there pretty much all weekend,” Piastri said after producing a blistering lap to take pole position in Bahrain.

“We’ve had good pace, and the car feels great, which is the most important thing.

“It’s a long race, and lots can happen, but we’re starting in a strong position, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Norris, the championship leader and fastest in the first practice session in Bahrain on Friday, has work to do if he wants to challenge Piastri.

The British driver, who won in Australia last month, lamented a sloppy qualifying session that did not represent the speed he had shown throughout the weekend.

“I’ve just been struggling at times to put together the laps that counted, and this has cost me some positions in qualifying,” he said.

You can follow the live standings of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix from 1am, AEST.