McLaren’s Oscar Piastri delivered a stunning performance under the floodlights of the Bahrain International Circuit, securing pole position for the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix with a blistering lap time of 1:29.841. The Australian driver outpaced Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.168 seconds, marking his second pole of the season and setting the stage for his 50th Grand Prix start in style.
Piastri’s commanding performance capped off a dominant weekend for McLaren, who topped all three practice sessions. The 24-year-old remained composed in a tightly contested qualifying, edging out Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will start third. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli impressed with a fourth-place finish, while championship leader Lando Norris struggled, managing only sixth after a scruffy final lap in Q3.
“It’s been a great weekend so far,” Piastri said post-qualifying. “I’ve felt comfortable with the car from the start, and to deliver when it mattered feels amazing. Starting from pole is the best place to be, and I’m excited for tomorrow’s race.”
The session was less kind to Norris, who admitted disappointment after failing to match his teammate’s pace. “It just wasn’t quick enough,” Norris said, reflecting on a slight slip that cost him a shot at the front row. Reigning champion Max Verstappen also faced challenges, grappling with brake issues that left him seventh on the grid for Red Bull.
Ferrari showed promise with Leclerc’s strong showing, while Lewis Hamilton could only manage ninth, citing setup struggles. The grid sets up an intriguing battle for Sunday’s race, with McLaren’s pace suggesting they could extend their constructors’ championship lead.
Piastri’s pole adds to his growing reputation as a formidable talent, having already claimed victory in China earlier this season. With every pole-sitter in 2025 going on to win the race, the young Australian will be the driver to beat when the lights go out on Sunday.