Max Verstappen Inherits Pole as Penalties Shake Up Bahrain GP after…read more.
Max Verstappen will start the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position after a series of grid penalties dramatically altered the starting order following Saturday’s qualifying session. Originally, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had secured the fastest lap in qualifying, but a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding power unit component limits has dropped him down the order.
Verstappen, who had qualified second, now inherits pole and will lead the field into Turn 1 under the lights at the Bahrain International Circuit. Mercedes’ George Russell, who posted the third-best time, will now start alongside the Red Bull driver on the front row. This reshuffle gives McLaren’s Lando Norris a shot at a podium, as he moves up to third on the grid.
Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez have also been hit with penalties. Sainz was penalized for exceeding track limits multiple times during qualifying, while Pérez received a five-place drop for a gearbox change. Both will start outside the top ten.
Fernando Alonso is one of the major beneficiaries, moving up to fifth after a solid qualifying performance. The reshuffle also brings young talents like Oliver Bearman and Kimi Antonelli into more competitive positions, as they make their full-time debuts in F1.
The stage is now set for a thrilling race as teams adjust strategies to the revised grid. With temperatures expected to cool after sunset and Bahrain’s variable winds in play, Sunday’s Grand Prix promises unpredictable action from lights out to the chequered flag.
