Mercedes Drivers Face Grid Penalties at Formula 1 Gulf Air bahrain Grand Prix 2025
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Qualifying Shocker: Mercedes’ Initial Success Turns Sour
The Mercedes team experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during the qualifying session for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025.Initial elation over strong performances by George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli quickly turned to disappointment as both drivers were handed grid penalties.
The Offense: Premature Pit Lane entry
The stewards, consisting of Garry Connelly (Australia), Matthieu Remmerie (Belgium), Tonio Liuzzi (Italy), and Mazen al-Hilli (Bahrain), penalized Russell and Antonelli for a breach of regulations. The infraction occurred when the Mercedes drivers entered the pit lane prematurely following a session interruption caused by an incident involving Esteban Ocon.
According to the rules, teams are only permitted to bring their cars into the pit lane after race control has officially announced the resumption of the session. Mercedes’ decision to act before this announcement was deemed a violation, resulting in the penalties.
competitors may only prefer their racing cars to the pit lane when the race management has announced when the training will be resumed.
Revised Starting Grid: Piastri Takes Pole Position
As an inevitable result of the penalties, the starting grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix has been reshuffled.Oscar Piastri of McLaren now starts on pole position,capitalizing on his remarkable qualifying pace. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari moves up to second, forming the front row alongside Piastri.
George Russell will now start from fourth position, while Kimi Antonelli drops to fifth. This shake-up presents both drivers with a challenge as thay aim to recover lost ground and fight for a strong result in the race.
Bahrain Grand Prix 2025: Provisional Qualifying Results
Here’s a look at the provisional qualifying results following the penalties:
- Oscar Piastri (AUS),mclaren,1:29.841
- Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, 1:30.175
- Pierre Gasly (F),Alpine,1:30.216
- George Russell (GB), Mercedes, 1:30.009
- Kimi Antonelli (I), Mercedes, 1:31.3
- Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, 1:30.267
- Max Verstappen (NL),Red Bull Racing,1:30.423
- Carlos Sainz (E), Williams, 1:30.680
- Lewis Hamilton (GB), Ferrari, 1:30.772
- Yuki Tsunoda (J), Red Bull Racing, 1:31.303
- Jack Doohan (AUS), Alpine, 1:31.245
- Isack Hadjar (F), Racing Bulls, 1:31.271
- Fernando Alonso (E),Aston Martin,1:31.886
- Esteban Ocon (F), Haas, No Time
- Alex Albon (T), Williams, 1:32.040
- Nico Hülkenberg (D), Sauber, 1:32.067
- Liam lawson (NZ), Racing Bulls, 1:32.165
- Gabriel Bortoleto (BR),Sauber,1:32.186
- Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, 1:32.283
- Oliver Bearman (GB), Haas, 1:32.373
One-place grid penalty applied due to premature pit lane entry.
Looking Ahead: Race Day Strategy
With the revised grid, teams will be reassessing their race strategies. McLaren and Ferrari will be looking to capitalize on their front-row starting positions, while Mercedes will need to implement a clever strategy to help Russell and Antonelli overcome their grid penalties and challenge for a podium finish. The Formula 1 gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 promises to be an exciting race with plenty of drama and overtaking opportunities.