MOTORSPORT – Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is upbeat ahead of the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025, which he says will be an opportunity to continue developing their W16 car.
Wolff has guided Mercedes to six victories at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) over the years – the most recent of which came in 2021 – and they will be looking to add another.
They have had an impressive start to the 2025 campaign after the first three races, which have included two podiums for George Russell and a fastest lap for sensational rookie Kimi Antonelli.
They are currently second on the F1 teams’ standings heading into Bahrain with 75 points, trailing only defending champions McLaren who are on 111.
“Bahrain will be another test of the progress we have made with this year’s car,” says Wolff.
“It is a rear-limited circuit, an abrasive surface, and typically we see hot track temperatures. That makes it tough on the tyres and is the type of track we struggled at last year.”
Wolff was pleased with the “potential” their car showed in the season’s previous round in Japan last weekend. The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will take place just several days later, being the second stop of an F1 triple-header with Saudi Arabia following the very next week.
“Japan was a case of what might have been,” Wolff said.
“We showed good pace throughout practice but failed to translate that into our qualifying performance. That hurt our chances of claiming a strong result on Sunday.
“Suzuka is a difficult circuit to overtake at and, with the race being a comfortable one-stop, there were limited opportunities to move forward.
“There are positives we can take from the weekend though. The car once again showed potential and, if we had executed more cleanly, a podium was a possibility.”
From Mercedes’ six wins at BIC since 2014, five of them had been with Lewis Hamilton, who is now with Ferrari. The other was claimed by the now-retired Nico Rosberg.
Excitement is now at fever pitch for the F1 extravaganza, featuring loads of top-class motorsport and entertainment. It is expected to be yet another record-breaking event for the Kingdom and BIC.
All grandstand tickets to the race weekend have already completely sold out, including seats at the Main, Turn 1, Beyon, University, and Victory grandstands.
Fans who have missed out on these seats can still get tickets to BIC’s last remaining hospitality option, The Dome by F1 Experiences, but there is only very limited availability. This is a unique way to enjoy the F1 weekend, with plenty of exclusive offerings throughout the three days.
BIC’s other hospitality options, including the Paddock Club, Corporate Lounges, and Champions Club, are all also completely sold out, so fans interested in being a part of the F1 spectacle must act fast to secure their passes to The Dome by F1 Experiences.
The Dome by F1 Experiences features a dedicated grandstand located along the Main Straight with comfortable, seat-back style seating. Fans can enjoy exceptional views of the Podium and pit entry, and also see the cars as they navigate the final turn before accelerating down the track. The package also includes complimentary lunch dishes, lite bites, refreshments and live performances by DJs, roaming entertainers and more between track sessions.
For more information on The Dome by F1 Experiences or to make a booking, call +973-17451086.
The F1 action will be supported by three leading racing series, including the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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