Formula 1 heads back to the desert with teams and drivers preparing for another thrilling weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir as attention turn to the 2025 Bahrain GP schedule and sessions times.
This year’s event marks the fourth round of the F1 calendar and promises an intense fight at the front, as the early title race between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris continues to heat up. Verstappen arrives in Bahrain fresh off a record-breaking win in Japan, closing the gap to just one point behind championship leader Norris.
McLaren has shown impressive consistency during the opening rounds of the season, but the Red Bull star is determined to reclaim his spot at the top. The Bahrain International Circuit is renowned for its combination of long straights, heavy braking zones, and abrasive track surface, putting both drivers and tyres to the test.
With the sun setting and the floodlights taking over for qualifying and race day, fans can expect dramatic visuals and tactical racing.
Full Bahrain GP 2025 Schedule and start times
| Session | Date | UK (BST) | USA (ET) | USA (PT) | Australia (AEDT) | New Zealand (NZDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Fri, Apr 11 | 12:30 pm | 7:30 am | 4:30 am | 10:30 pm | 12:30 am (Sat) |
| Practice 2 | Fri, Apr 11 | 4:00 pm | 11:00 am | 8:00 am | 2:00 am (Sat) | 4:00 am (Sat) |
| Practice 3 | Sat, Apr 12 | 1:30 pm | 8:30 am | 5:30 am | 11:30 pm | 1:30 am (Sun) |
| Qualifying | Sat, Apr 12 | 5:00 pm | 12:00 pm | 9:00 am | 3:00 am (Sun) | 5:00 am (Sun) |
| Race | Sun, Apr 13 | 4:00 pm | 11:00 am | 8:00 am | 2:00 am (Mon) | 4:00 am (Mon) |
Max Verstappen is aiming for a third consecutive Bahrain GP victory, while McLaren will be eager to defend their lead in the Constructors’ Championship. Ferrari, currently sitting fourth in the standings, will hope the characteristics of the Sakhir circuit can play to their strengths.
