Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 betting preview & odds after qualifying

Round four of the 2025 Formula 1 sees Oscar Piastri start from pole position under the lights at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Sunday’s Grand Prix set for a 1am AEST start. After a dramatic qualifying session and some late FIA rulings, the grid is set for a fiery contest in the desert.

Piastri on pole as Russell, Antonelli hit with grid penalties

Oscar Piastri delivered a major statement in the early part of the F1 season, securing pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix with a superb final lap in Q3. The McLaren driver will continue his sharp rise in 2025, outqualifying a pair of championship rivals in what was one of the tightest sessions of the year so far.

George Russell initially looked to have sealed a front-row start alongside Piastri, but both he and rookie teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli were handed post-qualifying grid penalties by the FIA for entering the pit lane without an initial start time of the session. Russell drops to P3 while Antonelli is demoted to P5 after what had been a promising qualifying for the rookie.

The reshuffle promotes Charles Leclerc to P2, giving the Monegasque driver his best starting position of the season. With McLaren and Mercedes both displaying strong pace, Bahrain is shaping up to be the most evenly contested race of the 2025 season so far.

With Oscar Piastri on pole and teammate Lando Norris starting from P6, the young Aussie will have the opportunity to control the race from the front. Top online bookmakers have installed Piastri as the $1.36 favourite following his standout Q3 performance.

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2025 Bahrain Grand Prix Odds

Oscar Piastri has surged into red-hot favouritism ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with teammate Lando Norris the closest challenger. Mercedes and Ferrari still feature prominently, while Max Verstappen drifts after a shock qualifying result.

• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – -277.78
• Lando Norris (McLaren) – +500
• George Russell (Mercedes) – +800
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +1000
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +2500
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +2800
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +6600
• Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +10000
• Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – +15000
• Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +20000

More odds provided at BetOnline

Bahrain GP betting predictions after qualifying

Oscar Piastri to win and Lando Norris (McLaren) to win and podium

With pole position locked in and the raw pace shown by both Piastri and McLaren, it’s hard to see Leclerc or Russell reeling him in. While Norris starts from P6, his race pace has been impressive, and he looks every chance to climb through the field and secure a P2 finish by the chequered flag.

Pierre Gasly (Alpine) top six finish

Alpine have been the surprise package in Bahrain, showing impressive pace throughout the weekend. Pierre Gasly finds himself in a strong position heading into the race, and while he may not have the fastest car in the top 10, his ability to defend and execute a smart strategy makes him a genuine chance to hold onto a top-six finish.

Isack Hadjar (VCARB) points finish

Isack Hadjar starts from P12, just behind fellow rookie Jack Doohan, who has yet to make a significant impact during race conditions. Hadjar should be able to move past early and begin his charge toward former teammate Yuki Tsunoda, with a top-10 finish well within reach.

Bahrain GP Starting Grid and Qualifying Times

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