Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Winner, winner: Oscar Piastri celebrates.Alamy Stock Photo Oscar Piastri eases to victory in Bahrain as Lando Norris battles back for third The Australian came home over 15 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, with Lando Norris third. 7.40pm, 13 Apr 2025 Share options OSCAR PIASTRI EASED to victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix as Lando Norris battled back from his disappointing qualifying to finish third. The Australian converted his pole position into a commanding win under the lights at the Sakhir circuit, coming home over 15 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. Norris, who began the weekend with a one-point lead in the championship, overcame a five-second penalty and a ding-dong battle with Charles Leclerc to finish on the podium. Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured fourth and fifth for Ferrari, while Max Verstappen finished sixth. Norris retained his championship lead and is now three points clear of his team-mate Piastri in the standings. McLaren looked set to dominate the weekend – as predicted by their rivals – after topping every practice session but Norris’ slip-up at the death in qualifying left him with work to do from sixth. The British driver said he was “clueless” about how to get pace from his car after qualifying but he was certainly quick off the line, surging past Pierre Gasly and Kimi Antonelli by the first corner before dispatching Leclerc. Advertisement Norris’ positive opening was soon dashed as he was hit with a five-second penalty for a false start – Verstappen flagging it on the radio as replays showed the championship leader comfortably ahead of his grid box. Russell also made a strong start to claim second but could not keep pace with Piastri out front. Norris pitted after 10 laps to try and undercut Russell – who waited three laps to make his stop and emerged still just ahead of the McLaren. Leclerc and Hamilton both started on medium tyres from second and ninth respectively and each pitted after 17 laps, the Monegasque urging his team to “please consider” a different strategy. The Scuderia pair came alive in their second stint, Hamilton surging past Yuki Tsunoda and Verstappen as Leclerc charged after Norris. Leclerc was unable to make his first pass stick but did next time around, blasting around the outside to claim third. The race picture changed on lap 32 as debris from Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz’s collision brought out a safety car. Mercedes gave Russell – in second – the soft tyre with 24 laps remaining in a move he described as “audacious”. Norris tried to overtake Leclerc as the race resumed but was instead passed by Hamilton. He soon reclaimed fourth place but did so by leaving the track as McLaren told Norris to hand the place back. Norris was soon back ahead of the seven-time world champion, who said his hard tyre “sucked”. Leclerc’s battle with Norris unfolded over the final 10 laps. The McLaren man locked up as he attempted to go round the outside of turn one on lap 46 before he was off the track as he attempted the same move three laps later. Norris claimed he was pushed off by Leclerc, but the stewards did not agree. The British driver finally got the job done on lap 52 and piled the pressure on compatriot Russell, who held on to finish second. As the action unfolded behind him, Piastri kept a cool head in the desert and his win never looked in any doubt. Verstappen, who claimed a surprise win in Japan last weekend, endured a miserable afternoon with two slow pit stops hitting his chances. Earlier, Irish teenager Alex Dunne made history by winning the Formula 2 feature race. Press Association Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Oscar Piastri eases to victory in Bahrain as Lando Norris battles back for third”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Oscar Piastri eases to victory in Bahrain as Lando Norris battles back for third”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Formula One News in 60 seconds FreeUlster SFC New rules but familiar result as Tyrone put Cavan to the sword in Omagh 24 mins ago Italy defeat Scotland to secure first win of 2025 Women's Six Nations 45 mins ago Live Masters final round: Rory McIlroy goes for golf's ultimate glory Gavin Cooney FreePremier League Manchester United just three points clear of 17th after another dismal 4-1 defeat Last-gasp 'dream' Ramos penalty sends Toulouse into Champions Cup semis FreeWinner winner Goals key as Cavan and Antrim lift ladies football league crowns FreeSeeing Red Mbappe sent off for dreadful tackle as Real Madrid beat Alaves Frustration for Connacht as they let chance for Challenge Cup glory slip Northampton hammer Castres to set up semi-final with Leinster Munster left to rue problems of their own making in Bordeaux Live Masters final round: Rory McIlroy goes for golf's ultimate glory Gavin Cooney more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online Sign in or create a free account To continue reading create a free account Or sign into an existing account