Teams had expected milder weather compared to hot Barcelona (as had happened in previous years), but instead, the weather brought rather chilly temperatures — not ideal for F1 testing. When drivers and teams return to Bahrain, however, they will face the opposite: extreme heat.
Average temperatures over the weekend are expected to reach 35 degrees; the peak will come on Thursday when the mercury could hit nearly 39 degrees during the hottest hours. High temperatures will be a challenge for everyone.
So why was Bahrain moved specifically to April? It was partly a logistical choice, to help teams better organize freight transport. And partly a cultural one: last year, F1 held the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix on Saturdays due to Ramadan.
This year, to avoid another early weekend, Formula 1 has reshuffled its calendar: Australia opens the season, followed by races in China and Japan. The Muslim holy month of fasting and reflection ran from February 28 (right after winter testing) to March 30, 2025. Pre-season testing took place before Ramadan.
2025 Bahrain GP: it will be hot — which teams will benefit?
Fortunately, temperatures are expected to decrease slightly over the three days on track. The Bahrain GP is a night race. Even free practice and qualifying sessions will take place in the late afternoon, when the sun is nearly down, with a maximum of around 30 degrees forecasted.
The Sakhir circuit puts tyres and car performance to the test. McLaren remains the favourite for the win and had shown its strength in Bahrain during winter testing. However, conditions in February were cold — in April, the weather is very different.
The track’s layout, with its low-speed corners, plays to Red Bull’s strengths, and Max Verstappen could follow up his Suzuka victory by capitalizing on the strong points of his car.
Ferrari is expected to introduce a new floor in Bahrain, though the decision is causing division within Maranello. A final decision will be made on Thursday in Sakhir.
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