2025 Bahrain Grand Prix – Friday

Sakhir, 11 April 2025 – Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber got the race weekend underway at the Bahrain International Circuit with two smooth practice sessions under the heat of the day. Friday’s activities were focused on collecting data, monitoring tyre wear, and working on the setup, with the evening session proving particularly crucial as the timing and temperatures reflected those expected for both qualifying and the race. The team’s primary task overnight will be to analyse the data and optimise the best possible setup for both drivers ahead of qualifying.

Nico Hulkenberg (car number 27):
FP1: 6th / 1:34.262 (24 laps)
FP2: 20th / 1:32.496 (24 laps)

"It was a tricky Friday. For the first time this year, we were facing really hot conditions – especially during daytime in FP1. The conditions differed quite severely from our test sessions in February. Though the run on soft tyres in particular did not meet expectations, we gathered a lot of data to help us to improve the car for the weekend. Now it is about reviewing both practice sessions in detail to make the right calls and be well prepared for the rest of the weekend.“

 

Gabriel Bortoleto (car number 5):
FP1: 11th / 1:34.628 (23 laps)
FP2: 13th / 1:31.772 (25 laps)

“Overall, it's been a positive day for us. FP1 was quite challenging with the high temperatures and a dusty track, which made the balance difficult to manage at times. The team did a very good job ahead of FP2 and we managed to make solid improvements with the setup – an effort for which I'd like to thank everyone in the garage. The car felt much more consistent, and I was happy with the performance we were able to extract. Looking ahead to FP3, there’s obviously still some work to do overnight, but I feel like we are in a decent place. We'll stay focused, keep pushing, and seek to carry this momentum forward.”