Piastri always 'confident' of first McLaren home win in Bahrain

Oscar Piastri's victory at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix - a home race for the McLaren team - never looked in doubt from start to finish. 

The Australian was unquestionably the driver to beat under the lights in Bahrain, as teammate Lando Norris appeared to be struggling with the MCL39 throughout much of the race weekend.

While Norris could only manage P6 during Saturday's Qualifying session, Piastri eased to pole position with a flying lap almost two tenths quicker than the next fastest driver, who was the Mercedes of George Russell.

The Grand Prix itself was a relaxed affair for Piastri, who's lead wasn't threatened for the entire 57-lap event. The Australian eventually crossed the line over fifteen seconds ahead of Russell, wile Norris made it two McLarens on the podium.

'Can't Thank The Team Enough'

Piastri had a significant advantage wiped out halfway through the race, as debris on the circuit brought out the Safety Car and bunched up the field.

Speaking after the Grand Prix, the 24-year-old admitted that the Safety Car did concern him. He said: "I would have preferred to not have it! But I was still pretty confident.

"The pace was good and I knew Lando and I had a medium and that was the tyre to be on.

"You obviously just try to get a good restart. I was never going to let that one go," stated the Australian driver.

The McLaren team is fully owned by the Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, called Mumtalakat. Therefore, the Woking-based outfit's win in Sakhir held a special significance.

• Read Also: Piastri reigns supreme in Bahrain GP – Norris on the podium

Piastri alluded to this: "Great to have this result out here. It's been an incredible weekend starting with qualifying yesterday and finishing the job today in style is nice.

"I can't thank the team enough for the car they have given us, it's pretty handy out there. It's been a great weekend and I'm very proud to do this out in Bahrain, it's very important given our owners. It's never been a track that's been kind to us, so it's nice to have our first win here," concluded the McLaren driver.

Piastri is now just three points behind Norris in the Drivers' Standings, on 74 and 77 points respectively.

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