F1 2025 : The 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off with high-octane drama as teams and drivers descended on Bahrain for three days of critical pre-season testing. From Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut to rookie sensations stealing the spotlight, here’s everything you need to know about the Bahrain test.
F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing: Key Details
The Bahrain International Circuit hosts the sole pre-season test from February 26–28, offering teams their only chance to fine-tune cars before the Australian Grand Prix. With all 10 teams restricted to one car per day, drivers split track time across morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) sessions.
Testing Schedule (Local Time):
- Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Afternoon Session: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Why Bahrain?
- Consistent dry weather minimizes disruptions.
- Track layout mimics varied F1 circuits (long straights, technical corners).
- Proximity to team bases in Europe eases logistics.
Confirmed Driver Line-Ups for Bahrain Testing
Here’s how teams divided running across the three days (AM/PM):
Day 1 (Wednesday, February 26)
| Team | AM Driver | PM Driver |
|---|---|---|
| McLaren | Oscar Piastri | Lando Norris |
| Ferrari | Lewis Hamilton | Charles Leclerc |
| Red Bull | Liam Lawson | Max Verstappen |
| Mercedes | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | George Russell |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll |
| Alpine | Jack Doohan | Pierre Gasly |
| Haas | Oliver Bearman | Esteban Ocon |
| Visa Cash App RB | Yuki Tsunoda | Isack Hadjar |
| Williams | Alex Albon | Carlos Sainz |
| Stake Sauber | Nico Hulkenberg | Gabriel Bortoleto |
Day 1 Highlights:
- Lewis Hamilton debuted Ferrari’s SF-25, completing 13 laps in the morning.
- Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) impressed with 14 laps.
- Alex Albon (Williams) topped the morning timesheets (1:32.862).
Day 2 (Thursday, February 27)
| Team | AM Driver | PM Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc | Lewis Hamilton |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen | Liam Lawson |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | Jack Doohan |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon | Oliver Bearman |
Day 3 (Friday, February 28)
| Team | AM Driver | PM Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin | Lance Stroll | Fernando Alonso |
| Mercedes | George Russell | Andrea Kimi Antonelli |
| Williams | Carlos Sainz | Alex Albon |
Key Storylines to Watch
- Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins
- First public run in SF-25 after shock Mercedes exit.
- Focus on adapting to Ferrari’s aggressive aerodynamics.
- Rookie Revolution
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): 18-year-old phenom replaces Hamilton.
- Oliver Bearman (Haas): 2024 F2 champion steps up.
- Jack Doohan (Alpine): Eyes full-time seat with strong showing.
- Red Bull’s New Guard
- Liam Lawson partners Max Verstappen, replacing Sergio Pérez.
- RB21’s radical design under scrutiny.
- Williams’ Comeback Bid
- Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz lead charge with new aerodynamic package.
Early Standings (Day 1 Morning Session)
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Albon | Williams | 1:32.862 | 9 |
| 2 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:33.031 | 13 |
| 3 | Liam Lawson | Red Bull | 1:33.173 | 13 |
| 4 | Jack Doohan | Alpine | 1:33.196 | 20 |
| 5 | Yuki Tsunoda | Visa Cash App | 1:33.576 | 23 |
Q&A: Burning Questions Answered
Q: Why do teams only use one car during testing?
A: Cost-saving measure. Teams focus on maximizing data from a single chassis while rotating drivers.
Q: How important are lap times during testing?
A: Misleading! Teams run different fuel loads and setups. Focus on mileage and reliability over speed.
Q: Which rookie has the most to prove?
A: Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes’ youngest-ever driver faces immense pressure to perform.
Q: Will Hamilton’s Ferrari struggle early?
A: Early runs focused on data collection. True pace will emerge in Melbourne.
What’s Next?
- March 14–16: Australian Grand Prix (Season Opener).
- Teams analyze data to finalize upgrades before Melbourne.
- Driver market buzz intensifies as rookies vie for 2026 seats.
Final Word
The 2025 pre-season test sets the stage for one of F1’s most unpredictable seasons. With veteran shake-ups, rookie talent, and technical overhauls, Bahrain’s desert sands are just the beginning. Buckle up—the real race starts in Melbourne!