Masters Fun and F1GP Heaven

"We win and lose together." - Sir Lewis Hamilton

Oscar Piastri wins the Bahrain GP 2025

Bahrain GP 2025

Today we are on the other side of the Bahrain GP, so I’m here with my update on that, and a few other bits and bobs. Hope you all enjoyed yesterday’s little dive into the world of Formula 1. As I mentioned, today I wanted to get into the Bahrain Grand Prix that I was so eagerly awaiting. And boy, what a race it turned out to be.  It was far more exciting than the processional borefest that was the Suzuka GP in Japan last week.  

Remember I was hoping for a good showing from Aussie Oscar Piastri?  Well, he didn't just do well, he absolutely smashed it and was in control for the entire race.  It was a reasoned, well executed demonstration of Piastri’s talent.  From pole position, the McLaren driver put in a masterclass of a drive.  It wasn't a lights-to-flag procession though. George Russell in the Mercedes gave him a run for his money, keeping the pressure on, especially in the early stages.  But Piastri, cool as a cucumber, managed the gap and brought it home for a fantastic victory. It was his second win of the season already, which is pretty impressive. For the four races this season, Oscar has two wins, his teammate Lando Norris has one win, and last year’s Driver’s Champion, Max Verstappen, has the other one.

And what about Liam Lawson?  The Kiwi Kid had a bit of a tougher day out there.  Starting further back on the grid, he was battling hard in the midfield.  There were a couple of close calls and some exciting overtakes, but unfortunately, he just missed out on the points, finishing in P16. Still, he was pushing right to the end, and you could see the determination in his driving. As Sir Jackie Stewart said, "It is not enough to be determined to make a difference. You must be determined to make the difference." While the points didn't come this time for Liam, that determination was definitely there.  He really does need some better results though, or to be brutal, he might not get to finish the season.  He suffered some penalties in the race that did him no favours, and he never really looked like he was going to cause anyone any trouble.

The race itself had a bit of everything.  There was a late safety car that bunched everyone up, leading to a thrilling final few laps.  Norris in the other McLaren had to fight his way back after a penalty and a bit of a messy start, eventually grabbing the final podium spot.  Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the Ferraris were right there too, making it a really exciting race to watch.  They finished 4th and 5th which gives them decent points for the ongoing season.  Verstappen, who has been so dominant in recent years, had a slightly off day, finishing further down the order than usual. 

One of the highlights of the race was watching British driver, Oli Bearman, driving for Haas.  He started last in 20th, and managed to gain ten places, to finish in the points.  It was a great showing for the rookie.  

So, my hopes for Piastri definitely came true, and overall it was a very entertaining race.  It’s fortunate that it falls on my Sunday, as otherwise I probably would not have been able to watch it live.  

That’s the F1 out of the way for the week, but it wasn’t the only sporting event of significance.

The Masters 2025

I’m sure Sid will have a lot to say about this when he returns next week, but it was a pretty awesome day on the links at the Masters 2025.  I know we love our golf here at SidLinx, so I couldn’t miss it.  I’m a relative newcomer to the golfing world, but I’ve thrown myself in head first and learned a bit about the big players.  This is my first time really watching any Masters, and it was riveting.  Particularly the final hole playoff with McIlroy and Rose.  

McIlroy came into this round 12 under par, and in the lead, but as I’m learning with golf, anything can happen, and by the Par 4 18th hole, Rory was in a playoff with Justin Rose, both sitting on 11 under.  The stage was set for some shenanigans and a fair bit of nervous tension.  

Justin Rose hit a solid drive down the middle of the fairway, but he came up short of the green.  That left him with a tricky uphill chip.  A year ago I thought a chip was something British people ate with fish, now I know better.  Suffice it to say, it wasn’t the best setup for Rose to give himself.

McIlroy also hit a great shot, landing on the fairway.  He followed it up with a great approach shot that left him sitting on the green.  Crucially, it put him within sight of a birdie.  

Rose followed this up with a good chip, putting himself on the green.  He then took his putt to land par for the hole.  Solid effort from him.  And just a bit of information for anyone out there who is still new to golf, it doesn’t go in order sequentially.  The person furthest away from the hole always takes the next shot, hence why Rose took his putt before Rory took his.  

This set the scene for what could either be a historical, life changing moment, or another heartbreaking end for McIlroy.  Having researched some of the golfing world’s best, particularly leading into The Masters, I know Rory went into the final round of the 2014 Masters with a 54 round lead.  However, the golfing gods weren’t smiling on Rory that day, and he finished in 8th, with Bubba Watson taking the win that year.

Fast forward to present day and Rory had an opportunity to win his first Masters and much more.  I had no idea golf could be so riveting but I was willing him to sink the putt.  You could tell he was feeling the emotion, and the crowd were too.  He lined it up, and on any other day, it would look like an easy sink, but the pressure was there.  Sure enough though, today was his day.  He sank the birdie and entered the history books. 

Rory McIlroy became not only a first time Masters winner, but he joined the now 6 member club of grand slam winners, joining the likes of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.  

Rory McIlroy wins The Masters 2025

You could tell in the celebrations how much this win meant to him.  Seeing him get the green jacket, you could tell it was very emotional for him.  I thought it was a nice moment and a great way to end a fantastic weekend of sport.  I can relate to him though, having won several Masters myself, but I don’t think Playstation wins count.

Congratulations, Rory!