OFFICIAL GRID: Piastri heads mixed-up starting order as Russell and Antonelli drop places in Bahrain

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri is the first man to start from pole twice in 2025, as he lines up on the front row in Sakhir alongside Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. It follows a thrilling Qualifying session in the desert, that saw Mercedes’ George Russell make it three teams in the top three.

Russell was originally second, but like team mate Kimi Antonelli was later penalised a grid place for pit-lane infringements. It means Pierre Gasly starts a spectacular fourth for Alpine, ahead of Antonelli and a perplexed Lando Norris in the sister McLaren.

REPORT: Piastri beats Russell and Leclerc to pole position during Bahrain Grand Prix Qualifying

Red Bull could manage no better than P7 and P10 for Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda respectively, while completing the top 10 are a resurgent Carlos Sainz in the Williams and the second Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton.

READ MORE: ‘We need to investigate’ – Verstappen reveals struggles with ‘inconsistent’ Red Bull after P7 in Bahrain Qualifying

Bubbling under are rookies Jack Doohan and Isack Hadjar in 11th and 12th after excellent showings for Alpine and Racing Bulls respectively. And look out for Esteban Ocon looking to make a fightback as he starts his repaired Haas from P14 following his Q2 crash.

The 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix starts at 1800 local time. Be sure to join our live coverage from 1700 here.

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