A fascinating qualifying session — and a few post-qualifying grid penalties — set the field for Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
So what are the major storylines to follow on this Formula 1 Sunday? Let’s dive in.
Can anyone catch Oscar Piastri?
In the buildup to Saturday’s qualifying session, the entire paddock seemed to label McLaren the dominant force on the grid, and Oscar Piastri lived up to those expectations, taking pole position and putting himself in prime position to secure his second grand prix victory of the season.
Even teammate Lando Norris conceded that Piastri was probably going to “lap everyone” on Sunday and that his fight was for second.
Still, Mercedes has shown true pace this week, as George Russell qualified second and Kimi Antonelli took fourth. While both drivers were handed a one-place grid penalty, it would not be surprising to see the Silver Arrows in the fight. The same goes for Charles Leclerc, who will start alongside Piastri.
However, this does feel like everyone will be chasing Piastri on Sunday, who might be too quick to catch.
Alpine’s points breakthrough?
Alpine entered the Bahrain Grand Prix as the only team yet to score, but have a tremendous opportunity to open their account on Sunday. Pierre Gasly qualified fifth but was promoted to fourth when Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was assessed a one-place grid penalty for failing to follow the race director’s instructions.
As for Jack Doohan, the rookie turned in his best qualifying performance of the season, charging into Q3 while running near the top of the timing sheets in both Q1 and early on in Q2. While he ultimately missed out on Q3 by just 0.017 seconds, he is set to start in P11, and given his familiarity with the circuit in Bahrain, he could charge into the points if things break his way.
The team looked strong at this circuit during pre-season testing, and that looks to continue on Sunday.
Which dejected driver rebounds on Sunday?
In the aftermath of qualifying two different drivers were dealing with some serious introspection. On the one hand, you had Lewis Hamilton, apologizing to his team for what he described as his “poor performance.” On the other, you had Lando Norris, who pointed the figure at himself — literally and figuratively — after qualifying sixth.
Both drivers may have been frustrated when their heads hit the pillow on Saturday night in Bahrain, but both drivers have the chance to move forward on Sunday. Bahrain offers more opportunities for overtaking, and given the performance of their teammates, as both Piastri and Leclerc will start on the front row, the pace is there.
Can one or both of these drivers have a strong Sunday after a tough Saturday?
Yuki Tsunoda’s first Red Bull points?
After advancing to Q3 for the first time in his Red Bull career, Yuki Tsunoda will start the Bahrain Grand Prix in tenth, giving him a solid chance at his first points with the senior team.
“I have ticked the box of reaching Q3 and that is the first step for me. I think it was good execution, I had the red flag in Q1 with no time set and then I only had one set to make it through to Q3,” said Tsunoda after qualifying. I am reasonably happy, although P10 is not always the place as a driver that you want to be.
Tsunoda vowed to do his “best” on Sunday.
I didn’t get a great long run in practice but I have some confidence for tomorrow to move forward. At least Max and I are starting semi-close to each other in position so we may be able to do something different with the strategy,” said Tsunoda. “I will try to finish as close to him as possible. I want to score points and do lots of overtaking, that is my passion! I will do my best.”
Carlos Sainz Jr. in line for his best day in blue?
Carlos Sainz Jr. secured his first point for Williams at the Chinese Grand Prix, when he was promoted to P10 after disqualifications were handed out to a trio of drivers: Leclerc, Hamilton, and Gasly.
He is in line for bigger things on Sunday.
Sainz advanced to Q3 for just the second time this season, and qualified ahead of teammate Alex Albon for the first time this year. Sainz will start eighth, in position for his first finish inside the points on merit this season.
“It seems like we made a step in the right direction, but we need to keep our heads down and carry on trying different things,” said Sainz after qualifying. “I feel I still have margin for improvement, and I want to be higher than P8! Having said that, I’m happy with today and I definitely felt more in control, knowing where to push, where there is potential lap time, and staying disciplined with my driving.
“I’m confident in what we are doing, the speed is there, and I have a great team around me, so I just need to stick to my plan and continue taking the right steps, starting with the race tomorrow and trying to score some points!”
