Formula 1 is set to race in Bahrain for the second event of the first triple header, a circuit known for its overtaking opportunities, unlike Suzuka.

Max Verstappen has closed in on Lando Norris in the drivers` championship, trailing by just one point after three races. Red Bull and Ferrari are focused on catching up with McLaren.

Expect typical desert conditions this weekend with hot and sunny weather. Daytime temperatures are forecasted to reach 36°C from Friday to Sunday with light winds. Night temperatures are expected to cool down to around 22°C.

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  • Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed by briefly leading the Formula 1 race and setting the fastest lap en route to a sixth-place finish for Mercedes in Japan.

  • Was Verstappen`s Japan win his best ever? Christian Horner, Red Bull boss, seems to think so.

Circuit stats and history

Construction of the Bahrain International Circuit began in 2002. Designed by Hermann Tilke, like Abu Dhabi`s Yas Marina, the Sakhir track was created on a blank desert canvas, resulting in a fast, winding circuit with sharp hairpins and numerous passing zones.

However, the track can be challenging due to wind in the open desert and fluctuating temperatures throughout the day as the race is held in the evening.

Bahrain occasionally experiences rain, as seen during preseason testing this year, which was affected by cool temperatures and light rain.

Ferrari and Mercedes are tied for the most wins here with six each. Ferrari saw victories with Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa early on, while Mercedes dominated during the Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton era. A win for Red Bull this weekend would even out these statistics.

Bahrain Grand Prix

First race: 2004.

Laps: 57 laps of 5.4km. Total distance 308km.

Lap record: 1:31.447, Pedro de la Rosa (2005).

Most wins: Hamilton with five (2014-2015, 2019-2021). Among current drivers, Fernando Alonso has three wins (2005-2006, 2010), Charles Leclerc has one (2022), and Verstappen has two (2023-2024).

Most poles: Hamilton, Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel are equal with three each. From the current grid, Leclerc (2022), and Alonso (2005) have also achieved pole position here.

What makes it special: Since becoming a night race in 2014, leading to cooler race temperatures, the Bahrain International Circuit has provided exciting racing. It was also the first circuit in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 race in 2004.

Driver feedback: `It`s a track where you can really push, and it`s excellent for racing with numerous overtaking opportunities.` — Hamilton.

Last year`s race recap

Red Bull achieved a one-two finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix last year, with Verstappen securing a dominant victory and Sergio Perez finishing second, followed by Carlos Sainz.

Red Bull also completed a clean sweep by securing pole position, fastest lap, and the race win.

Who is expected to win?

Bahrain has traditionally been a challenging circuit for McLaren, but they showed strong performance in preseason testing here.

Currently, McLaren appears to be the team to beat. Oscar Piastri, in particular, is eager to prove his worth and demonstrate to McLaren why he should be their primary focus in the developing rivalry with Verstappen.