Ferrari has kicked off its pre-season Formula 1 testing for 2025 with promising results, completing 141 laps and covering 763 kilometers on the opening day held at the Bahrain International Circuit. The team's star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, shared driving duties on the SF-25, focusing primarily on data collection instead of outright performance.
Hamilton was the first to hit the track, starting his session by fitting C2 tires and employing aerodynamic rakes to analyze the car's characteristics. His morning agenda was to work through the initial mapping of the SF-25, ensuring the simulator data aligned with real-world performance. Throughout his stint, Hamilton alternated between C2 and C3 tires, testing different aerodynamic configurations and fuel loads. He concluded the session with 70 laps and posted his best time of 1:31.834 on C3 tires.
After the lunch break, Leclerc took over, continuing on the established program. Small adjustments were made to the car to accommodate him, and he quickly adapted by starting on C2 tires and switching to C3 to maintain consistency with Hamilton's earlier efforts. Leclerc achieved his maximum lap time of 1:30.878, completing 71 laps. Interestingly, his day also included practice starts and fuel load assessments to optimize the car setup.
An unexpected interruption occurred nearing the end of the day when the circuit experienced a general blackout, temporarily suspending all track activity for almost 60 minutes. To compensate for this disruption, the FIA and teams worked together to extend track time until 8 PM local time. Both drivers emphasized the importance of the day’s activities over chasing fast lap times, focusing primarily on safety and reliability as the team prepares for the competitive season.
Leclerc remarked, "It's nice to be back on track...the whole team has put a lot of effort...so it’s exciting to finally be able to start pushing the car. That said, it’s still too early to draw any conclusions about our performance." Meanwhile, Hamilton expressed his excitement about rejoining Ferrari after twelve seasons with Mercedes, stating, "Being here with Ferrari and getting...is an incredible feeling. We have already learned a lot today." He also reiterated the significance of using this testing period to refine strategies and performance metrics.
Looking at the competitive environment, Helmut Marko, advisor for Red Bull, noted, "Ferrari has been a bit disappointing because we expected more from them. There are still two days of testing left, so we’ll see.” His observation echoes the sentiment shared across the paddock, indicating the high expectations surrounding Ferrari's potential this season.
With the next test days on the horizon, both Hamilton and Leclerc will continue to refine their driving and get acquainted with the SF-25. They anticipate adopting strategies gleaned from this early phase as they prepare for tight competition against rivals including Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes. The fundamental goal remains the same: to translate this data-driven approach to sustained track success as the championship opening looms just weeks away.
The first day of testing sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating 2025 Formula 1 season. With teams monitoring and adapting strategies based on preliminary results, it’s clear the rivalry among top contenders is heating up already. Teams are readying themselves for what could be one of the most contested seasons yet, with all eyes on Bahrain as the bellwether of this new chapter.