As the 2025 Formula 1 season speeds into its second race, the atmosphere is already buzzing with excitement and a bit of controversy. In Thursday’s official FIA press conference ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, drivers Carlos Sainz, Kimi Antonelli, and Jack Doohan addressed the media. They talked openly about the pressures of the new season, team progress, and a few tense topics from the last race in Japan.
Held at the Bahrain International Circuit, the session gave fans and reporters valuable insights into the minds of three drivers who represent different generations and storylines within the sport. Let’s break down the highlights from their media appearance.FIA Press Conference: Sainz, Antonelli & Doohan Talk Bahrain GP
Carlos Sainz: Frustration Over FIA Fine
Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams after his Ferrari stint, made headlines before the Bahrain GP weekend even began. At the press conference, he spoke candidly about the recent €20,000 fine imposed on him by the FIA. Half of the fine was suspended, but it still left Sainz visibly frustrated.
He was fined for being five seconds late to the national anthem ceremony before the Japanese Grand Prix. According to Sainz, he had a stomach issue and needed urgent medical attention, causing the slight delay.
“I’ve always respected the rules and schedules,” Sainz said. “But I had a personal situation that needed attending to. I was just five seconds late, and they fined me €10,000 for that. Honestly, that’s tough to accept. I want to know where that money goes.”
The Spaniard didn’t hold back his emotions during the press event, even dropping a mild profanity as he said, “Sh*t happens,” when asked whether the penalty was fair. While the comment got a few chuckles, it may have raised eyebrows within FIA circles as they continue to monitor driver conduct.
Despite the fine, Sainz remains focused on the Bahrain Grand Prix. “I love this track. It’s a place where I’ve had strong races in the past. Our car has made some progress, and I’m here to race hard and clean.”
Kimi Antonelli: The Mercedes Rookie’s Calm Approach
All eyes are on 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the newest face at Mercedes and the youngest on the 2025 grid. With huge expectations surrounding him as a future star, Antonelli has handled the pressure with remarkable maturity so far.
During the press conference, he was calm and confident. “I’m excited for Bahrain. I’ve raced here in junior categories, and it’s always a good test of car balance and tire management,” Antonelli said.
The Italian rookie made a solid debut in Japan and is already earning praise for his composure and feedback to engineers. “It’s a learning process every weekend, and the team has been very supportive. I’m just taking it one race at a time, learning as much as I can.”
Antonelli also mentioned that he’s been studying old Mercedes data from previous Bahrain races to prepare. “Watching Lewis [Hamilton] and George [Russell] here over the years has helped me a lot. There’s so much to absorb, and I’m loving every minute.”
Jack Doohan: Steady Progress for Alpine
Jack Doohan, Alpine’s full-time driver for the 2025 season, is quietly building his campaign. Coming into Bahrain, Doohan was optimistic but realistic about his chances.
“We’re not the fastest car out there right now, but we’ve been making steady progress,” said the Australian. “This track is all about traction and good tire strategy, so it gives us a chance to show what we’ve improved on since Japan.”
Doohan highlighted Alpine’s development work during testing and praised his team’s effort to close the gap with the front runners. “The engineers have been working hard, and I feel more confident with the setup heading into the weekend. Bahrain’s mix of slow corners and long straights always creates opportunities—especially under the lights.”
The young driver is also enjoying the team atmosphere. “Everyone at Alpine is hungry. We’re pushing together, and I believe we’re getting closer to the midfield battle.”
What to Expect This Weekend in Bahrain
The Bahrain Grand Prix, held at night under the floodlights, is a fan favorite for good reason. It often delivers dramatic overtakes, intense tire battles, and unpredictable weather conditions due to desert winds.
With Sainz fired up, Antonelli eager to prove himself, and Doohan aiming to climb the ranks, the stage is set for an exciting showdown. Bahrain is a physically demanding track with a rough surface and tricky wind patterns that can throw off car balance.
Key areas to watch include:
- Turn 1 braking zone, a hotspot for overtaking
- Sector 2, where car balance and rear traction are tested
- Pit strategy, as tire degradation is traditionally high in Bahrain
The mix of rookie excitement and veteran edge adds even more spice to this season’s second round.
Final Thoughts
The FIA press conference gave fans more than just soundbites—it gave us a glimpse into the mindset of three very different drivers: a determined veteran in Sainz, a rising star in Antonelli, and a hardworking underdog in Doohan. As the lights go out on Sunday, all three will look to make a statement under the Bahraini night sky.
Expect emotions to run high, strategies to unfold quickly, and possibly, a few more fireworks—both on and off the track.
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