Formula 1 enthusiasts are marking their calendars as the 2025 pre-season testing kicks off at the Bahrain International Circuit, signaling the start of what promises to be another thrilling racing year. From February 26 to 28, fans will witness the 10 teams take to the track, their newly debuted cars set to race against the clock and each other. For the first time, this pre-season action will be broadcast live on television, giving fans unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes workings of their favorite teams and drivers.
Sky Sports F1 is the leading broadcaster for the UK audience, offering extensive coverage over the three days. The coverage will include two four-hour sessions daily and wrap-up programming each evening. Unfortunately, viewers tuning in from the United States and Australia may miss out on live broadcasts, as ESPN and Fox Sports have not scheduled any testing coverage. Those fans can still catch the action through F1TV Pro wherever available.
The full UK broadcasting schedule is as follows:
This year’s sessions represent more than just shakedowns; they’re the only unrestricted track time teams will get with their new cars before the competitive season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. Each day features eight total hours of running, divided between morning and afternoon slots, and teams must rotate their drivers effectively to optimize performance.
The roster of drivers participating is full of anticipation as teams showcase their driving strategies. For Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli will lead the charge on Wednesday morning, followed by teammate George Russell. The rotation continues with Russell taking the role on Thursday morning and Antonelli hitting the track again on Friday.
Aston Martin is also stirred with excitement as veteran Fernando Alonso takes the wheel first, transitioning his seat to Lance Stroll later. Alpine's duo of Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly will experience this high-stakes environment with their new car, the A525, marking new history for the team.
On the other side, Red Bull is eager to reclaim their dominance following last season's challenges. The newly unveiled RB21 will see both Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson take turns, the latter bringing fresh talent to the squad's lineup.
Every session promises key insights, especially with rookies making their names known. Lawson, Doohan, Oliver Bearman, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Isack Hadjar will be displaying their fledgling talents against experienced drivers. The spotlight is particularly bright on Antonelli, who joins the prestigious Mercedes team at just 18 years old.
While no specific results will determine championship outcomes just yet, the pre-season testing serves as the first stepping stone to understand car performance and reliability. Quick lap times can signal competitive form as teams aim for supremacy. Yet, with many teams focusing on the upcoming rules changes set for 2026, investments will be made carefully, balancing current performance with future developments.
Overall, the ensuing days of testing stand to highlight the ever-evolving stories of rivalry and growth within the industry. Will McLaren defend their title? Can Ferrari make significant strides toward consistent contention? Fans will be glued to their screens, hoping each car crosses the finish line on this preliminary track, garnering data to dissect for the coming season.
This year's testing format certainly holds the promise of compelling narratives and surprises. Every lap taken, every adjustment made, could have monumental ramifications for the teams and their drivers, shaping not just their fortunes this season but potentially altering the course of F1 history itself.