Back in Bahrain: Whose Track Is It Anyway?
The question of who owns the track is a tough one to answer when it comes to the Sakhir Circuit. Unlike Japan’s Suzuka, where Max Verstappen has won three out of the last five races, the Bahrain International Circuit track record has several teams vying for dominance. Three wins lie between the best teams and the best of the best. Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari are all within one victory of each other, and Aston Martin is only a few more behind.
Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are at home on the Sakhir Circuit. The former won two of the last five races and five races total, and the latter has won five races total, setting the track record. However, Fernando Alonso has also shown an aptitude for the track winning three races over his career. Sitting one place behind him is Charles Leclerc, who won the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022. Of the previous five races, the winner was also the pole sitter all but once; that would be when Verstappen beat Hamilton in 2021.
In terms of teams, Ferrari and Mercedes have equal bragging rights with six wins each. However, Red Bull isn't lagging far behind at just five total wins. If Verstappen can secure a pole position or even runner-up, the three will likely share the title. Team comradery: Christian Horner’s dream. Besides pole position, the one who has the best shot at the track will come down to the car, and how well it's suited for the Sakhir circuit. This is especially true when looking at the ability of the car to balance between over and understeer amidst the dizzying turns Bahrain has to offer. Specifically, looking at the hairpins at turns eight and ten, and turns one and four where the DRS zones end. Ollie Bearman showed his affinity for overtaking during turns during the XX Grand Prix. So who knows? Perhaps this year a rookie could take Bahrain? Christian Horner’s worst nightmare.
Whether you set your alarm or DVRs, the first Free Practice One and Two begin tomorrow at 7:30 and 11:00 am Arabian Standard Time; seven hours ahead of the East Coast. So far this year, no driver has won a Grand Prix twice. Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri will be eyeing those tight corners for any passing opportunity. However, Hamilton still holds the record for wins at the Sakhir Circuit. This race could be the turning point he needs to get onto the podium before it's too late.
