Red Bull Racing is currently undergoing its Tests of Previous Cars (TPC) for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, commonly known as Imola, but the team is facing significant challenges due to unfavorable weather conditions. On January 22, 2025, the second day of testing brought intermittent rain and very low temperatures, creating less than ideal circumstances for the team to prepare effectively.
Despite these obstacles, rookie driver Isaac Hajar managed to show remarkable resilience, completing 82 laps throughout the day. "Despite the difficult conditions, Hajar completed 82 laps, showing great perseverance," reported Auto Sports Web. His performance is particularly significant as it marks his adjustment to the team’s systems and procedures, important for someone scheduled to make their F1 debut this season.
Notably, Hajar’s day was marked by repeated pit stop and start practice, allowing him to refine these skills even as he navigated the wet and slippery track. Unfortunately for both Red Bull and Sauber, the track did not dry out throughout the day, meaning they were unable to run on slick tires, which limited their ability to gauge performance effectively under normal racing conditions.
Sauber’s testing team, also at Imola, included drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who were making their appearances for the 2025 season. The day was particularly complex for Sauber as they needed to select their testing times carefully considering the challenging track layout, known for its narrow runoff areas where mistakes can be costly. Bortoleto took to the track approximately two hours after Hajar, making his debut run under wet conditions.
Both drivers from Sauber faced tough circumstances as the rain began to fall heavily again after Bortoleto completed his installation lap, forcing him to focus on using full wet tires for his runs. Hülkenberg, who transitioned to Sauber from Haas for 2025, found himself unable to complete lap times as he focused solely on practicing starts and pit stops without the opportunity to run on the racing line.
The subsequent day of testing on January 23 was expected to offer more opportunities, with Bortoleto set for full-day runs and Hajar also participating throughout the day. Red Bull’s commitment to fine-tuning their car and ensuring driver competency demonstrates the importance they place on early preparation, even amid challenging circumstances.
Hajar's hard work and the collective efforts of both teams during this demanding test highlight the unpredictable nature of weather conditions, which often play pivotal roles during F1 pre-season testing. Teams must adapt quickly to maximize their learning and preparation, proving the famous adage true: it’s not just about the speed of the car, but also the agility of the team behind it.
Advancing through the 2025 testing calendar, both Red Bull Racing and Sauber aim to solidify their lineups and vehicles as they set their eyes on the upcoming season, which promises to bring its own set of challenges and excitement. The tests at Imola are just one step on their greater journeys, but they serve as valuable moments of learning and adaptation for what’s to come.