McLaren to play at home for the Bahrain Grand Prix

After coming up against Max Verstappen in Japan, McLaren hopes to return to the top step of the podium in Bahrain, in what is, in a way, a second home Grand Prix.

Published 09/04/2025 à 16:26

Benoit Chelles

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McLaren to play at home for the Bahrain Grand Prix

© Antonin Vincent / DPPI

In Japan, McLaren suffered the wrath of the imperial Max Verstappen, stopping the British team's winning streak since Abu Dhabi 2024. Despite this, it was able to consolidate its first place in the Constructors' Championship as Lando Norris et Oscar piastri completed the podium at Suzuka.

After three Grands Prix, the Papaye team is in the running to win everything and enjoys a 36-point lead over its nearest rival, MercedesAt the Sakhir circuit, McLaren hopes to resume its habits by taking the top step of the podium and thus reduce Japan to a gap of course. However, temperance is the order of the day as McLaren believes that Red Bull will have the advantage in the fourth round of the season. 

« I'm excited to be racing here this weekend, rejoices Lando Norris, the championship leader. This is the first evening race of the season, so I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do in these conditions, which are different from what we've experienced so far. We're on a good run with two consecutive podiums. The season is still long, but we can already see that every point counts. And that's our goal: a fun race and more points in the bag." If the Glastonbury native wants a "fun race", viewers are hoping for the same after the soporific Japanese race...

For his part, Oscar Piastri intends to continue his momentum: “ It's been three very encouraging race weekends so far. I felt like I had a really strong pace and I'm taking some real momentum with me to Bahrain."

A home race  

« The MCL39 has proven competitive in the first three races, but we remain realistic about the work we still need to do to maintain our competitiveness. Pre-season testing here in February was relatively positive, but we expect slightly different conditions for this weekend, explained McLaren team principal Andrea Stella. We are looking forward to returning to the Sakhir circuit for our second home race in Bahrain.”

You may have missed the Italian's previous statement. However, confirmation is in order: Yes, McLaren will indeed be at home for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Since 2024, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, a sovereign wealth fund of the Middle Eastern island nation, has owned the entire share capital of the English brand.

The Grand Prix will be held from April 18th to 20th, with the race starting at 17:00 p.m. (French time).

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