The start of the 2025 Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and it kicked off with the pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, located at Sakhir. From February 26 to 28, teams and drivers had the opportunity to test their new cars under live conditions, amounting to 24 hours of track time spread across two four-hour sessions each day. The stage was set under overcast skies and relatively cool temperatures ranging from 13°C to 17°C, slightly lower than usual for this region, creating additional challenges for the teams.
The opening day saw all ten teams participate, showcasing their latest machinery and testing the new driver lineups. Among the most anticipated was Lewis Hamilton, making his official debut with Ferrari, alongside fellow competitor Charles Leclerc. Hamilton drove the SF-25 during the morning session, followed by Leclerc taking over for the afternoon. Meanwhile, newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli debuted behind the wheel of the Mercedes W16.
On the track, the first day quickly showcased competitive spirit among teams, with Jack Doohan of Alpine clocking the fastest time of the day at 1:33.196. Hamilton's initial runs were focused on data collection using measuring devices attached to the car, meaning fans had to wait longer to see the SF-25’s full potential. "It’s not called #F1Testing for nothing!" the official Formula 1 Twitter account remarked as the day's events unfolded.
The testing schedule was divided as follows: the morning session ran from 08:00 to 12:00, followed by a one-hour break, and resumed from 13:00 to 17:00. Each driver aimed to maximize their allotted track time to gather data and tune their vehicles ahead of the competitive season beginning with the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 14. Observing performance and reliability during these sessions is especially important, as teams assess their off-season developments and strategize for the races ahead.
Saturdays were particularly brisk on the first day of testing. Teams rotated their lineups, with many drivers eager to establish early dominance. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris alternated sessions, as did Red Bull's Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen, alongside drivers from other teams, including Alpine's Doohan and Williams' Alex Albon. Each performed at various paces, with participants reflecting on the day’s activities with balanced optimism.
The changing weather conditions played their part as well; gusts of wind were reported to be around 70 km/h, making track conditions unpredictable with sand drifting onto the racing surface. This caused significant concern for grip and overall car handling, which could mask true performance levels until conditions improved later in the week.
One of the highlights of this pre-season testing was the buzz surrounding Ferrari and the dynamics of its newest pairing with Hamilton and Leclerc. They are stepping up from the previous season's SF-24 to the SF-25, with notable engineering changes. The team aims to improve aerodynamics, particularly with adjustments to the car's suspension system, which shift from push-rod to pull-rod layout to streamline airflow. These modifications are fundamental as Ferrari looks to lift its performance after missing championship glory for several seasons.
Anticipation is certainly high for the second day of testing. Teams are expected to refine their strategies and experiment with setups, as well as fully explore the limits of each vehicle. Real-time updates and commentary will be available for fans worldwide, with broadcasting on Sky Sport F1 and streaming on platforms like NOW.
For fans eager to know the who's who of team lineups, here's the lineup breakdown for the testing: McLaren's Piastri and Norris; Ferrari's Hamilton and Leclerc; Red Bull's Lawson and Verstappen; Mercedes' Antonelli and Russell; Aston Martin's Alonso and Stroll; Alpine's Doohan and Gasly; Haas' Bearman and Ocon; Racing Bulls' Tsunoda and Hadjar; Williams' Albon and Sainz; and Sauber's Hulkenberg and Bortoleto.
Across these three days, the persisting conversation will be about the capabilities of the new machines, the potential rivalry expected between teams, especially between Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, and how the fresh talents will stack up. Will Hamilton lead Ferrari back to the top of the podium? Can Leclerc match or surpass his new teammate’s experience? Will the newcomers surprise on the grid?
All eyes are fixed on Sakhir as the teams and drivers wrap up pre-season testing—these days are more than just laps; they’re about aligning hopes for the future of the championship. The buzz of competition is felt strongly among fans and teams alike as they gear up for what promises to be another thrilling season of Formula 1.