The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing kicked off this week at the Bahrain International Circuit, marking the highly anticipated return of racing action after the long winter break. From February 26 to 28, all 20 drivers, including the stars of the grid—Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen—fired up their engines to assess their new machines and preparations for the season.
After the thrills and chills of the 2024 season, which saw Hamilton making his much-publicized switch to Ferrari, the teams have entered this year's test with hope and ambition. Ferrari is set to feature prominently with Hamilton behind the wheel of the SF-25. The seven-time world champion has expressed eagerness to see how his new team performs, as he embarks on this fresh chapter of his illustrious career. The pre-season tests are not just about getting accustomed to new machinery but also about building chemistry with team engineers and strategists.
This year's testing is particularly significant as it precedes the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, the first time since 2019 the event isn't hosted at Bahrain. For the teams, this places additional pressure on making the most of the full three-day testing session at the Sakhir circuit. Teams will be operating under the unique challenge of needing to adapt rapidly, as there will be little time between the tests and the opening race.
On the other side of the paddock, Aston Martin has unveiled their new AMR25, aiming to rebound from what was perceived as a disappointing 2024 season, finishing fifth with just 97 points. Team Principal Andy Cowell has made it clear they have lofty ambitions for the new season, stating, "I'm excited to get this season started and see the AMR25 hit the track tomorrow in Bahrain... Our aims are realistic with a view to how we can continually improve." This reflects the team's commitment to making strides to reclaim its competitiveness amid fierce rivals.
Veteran driver Fernando Alonso shared similar sentiments, noting, "We learnt a lot in 2024 and the team have been using it as a driving force as we head to this season." Both Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll will be eager to test the AMR25's new design attributes, which aim to make the car more competitive from the get-go. The improved undercut profile and revamped aerodynamics are changes expected to boost Aston Martin's performance across the board.
Another team to keep track of is McLaren, which has struggled historically at the Bahrain circuit. The reworked MCL39 returns to the scene where they've encountered various tribulations over the years. With significant investments and rejuvenated morale following their 2024 championship victory, they're hoping to break the so-called Bahrain curse, where they haven't seen results reflective of their potential. The team's past misfortunes—including low lap counts and technical issues—are evident as they look to garner early confidence this year.
The weather conditions for testing present yet another barrier. With morning temperatures hovering around 17 degrees Celsius, teams are set to face both cooler weather and high winds, which will necessitate careful assessments as they establish the performance metrics of their cars. Strong winds complicate matters, making it especially difficult to evaluate the car’s aerodynamics accurately. Testing days will include practice runs during the cooler morning sessions, with teams likely saving more intense performance tests for the later afternoon sessions as Bahrain becomes cooler and conditions stabilize.
Beyond performance evaluations, these sessions also allow teams to gather valuable data using aerodynamic rakes and flow-visualization paint. These tools help engineers understand airflow and validate models against real-world tests. Bernie Collins, a prominent voice on Sky Sports F1, said, "You're always pretty excited before testing... There will be lots of discussions of how fast you think it will be or what development could happen."
So, how will this week's outcomes shape the contenders for the 2025 championship? With high stakes occurring off-track, including shifts to power units and new regulations looming on the horizon for 2026, teams are aiming to maximize any improvement opportunities. Every lap logged is becoming more integral to informing design and strategy as the sport moves toward the March kick-off.
Far from simply glorified test runs, testing is ripe with potential to ignite rivalries and determine trajectories. Teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin—who have both opted to conduct filming days directly before the official tests—are shifting gears; their performances will be closely monitored to gauge whether they will be competing at the head of the grid or catapulting toward uncharted waters.
With technical innovations and the merging of strategies at the forefront, all eyes will be glued to Bahrain. The results from these three days could influence how the first laps at the season's opening race play out, adding suspense to the narrative as 2025 begins to unfurl. Perhaps, as various teams pull back the curtain on their machinery, anticipation will grow to see whether the title battle shifts with them.