F1 2025 Testing: Speed, Sweat, and Spinouts in Bahrain!

Red Bull car during the 2025 pre-season testing, which took place in Bahrain from the 26th-28th February Credits: Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool

2025 Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing: Key Takeaways from Bahrain

The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing took place from February 26 to 28 at the Bahrain International Circuit. Across three days, teams fine-tuned their new cars, collected crucial data, and addressed any early-season concerns. While testing times aren’t always an accurate predictor of race performance, they provided us eager, F1-starved fans a valuable insight into each team's potential for the upcoming season.

McLaren

McLaren had an impressive showing throughout the three-day test, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri demonstrating strong pace and reliability. Norris set the fastest lap on the first day at 1:30.430, a promising sign for the team’s competitiveness in 2025. The MCL39 appeared well-balanced and handled the Bahrain circuit’s demanding corners and high-speed straights effectively. McLaren focused on long-run simulations and tire management, both of which seemed to yield positive results. Piastri’s feedback indicated that the car has improved stability compared to last season, giving the team optimism for a strong start to the year.

Mercedes

Mercedes wrapped up testing on a high note, with George Russell setting the fastest time on the final day at 1:29.545. The W16 appeared to be a well-rounded machine, addressing many of the weaknesses from previous seasons, particularly in terms of rear-end grip and overall consistency across stints. Russell and teammate Kimi Antonelli reported that the car felt more predictable and easier to handle under varying fuel loads. While outright pace isn’t always the focus of pre-season testing, Mercedes’ strong long-run consistency and Russell’s fastest lap suggest that the team could be back in the mix for victories in 2025.

Ferrari

Ferrari showed encouraging signs during testing, with Charles Leclerc topping the morning session on the final day. However, the biggest story – or, indeed the most anticipated - was Lewis Hamilton’s debut with the team. The seven-time world champion appeared comfortable in red, stating that the SF25 felt "incredibly responsive" and that he was eager to prove critics wrong. Ferrari focused heavily on optimizing tire degradation, a key weakness in previous years. Both drivers completed extensive mileage, and the car’s performance in both high- and low-fuel configurations suggests that Ferrari could mount a serious challenge this season.

Red Bull Racing

Red Bull endured a mixed test session, with flashes of strong pace but also some concerns about the car’s balance. Max Verstappen finished just 0.021 seconds behind Russell on the final day, indicating that the RB21 remains competitive. However, Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez reported that the car was somewhat unpredictable in high-speed sections, leading to speculation that Red Bull is still fine-tuning their aerodynamic package. Despite this, the reigning champions remain among the favourites, with their long-run pace and overall efficiency showing promising signs.

Williams

Williams surprised many with their outright speed, and made significant progress in testing. Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap on the second day at 1:29.348, while Alex Albon consistently posted competitive times across all three sessions. The FW47 appears to be a step forward for the team, particularly in terms of aerodynamic efficiency and tire management. If Williams can maintain this level of performance, they could emerge as strong midfield contenders—or even podium challengers—in the early rounds of the season.

Alpine

Alpine’s biggest talking point was the performance of Jack Doohan, who is set to make his full-time F1 debut in 2025. The young Australian impressed with his composure and consistency, earning praise from team principal Oliver Oakes. While Alpine didn’t top the timesheets, their car appeared well-balanced and competitive in race simulations. With Pierre Gasly providing experienced leadership alongside Doohan, the team is optimistic about their chances of competing closely with the top four teams.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin faced some disruptions during testing, with Lance Stroll having to withdraw from his final session due to illness. This forced Fernando Alonso to take on additional track time, which he handled admirably. Despite the setback, the AMR25 looked solid in both short and long runs, though some concerns were raised about its straight-line speed. The team is expected to bring aerodynamic upgrades ahead of the season opener to address these issues.

Haas

Haas encountered some difficulties in testing, particularly with reliability. Rookie driver Ollie Bearman had a minor incident that highlighted a "weak point" in the car’s setup, which the team admitted they would need to address before the first race. Despite these setbacks, both Bearman and Esteban Ocon, transferring from Alpine, managed to gather crucial data, and Haas remains hopeful that they can iron out their issues in time for a competitive start to the season.

Racing Bulls

Visa CashApp Racing Bulls, formerly known as Alphatauri, had a steady test with Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar at the wheel. The team focused primarily on long-run consistency and setup refinement rather than outright lap times. Tsunoda, now the clear team leader, provided valuable feedback on the car’s handling, while Hadjar gained valuable mileage ahead of his first full season in F1.

Sauber

Sauber’s testing program revolved around their new driver lineup, with Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto sharing driving duties. The team used the three-day session to gather baseline data on their new car, focusing on reliability and understanding tire behaviour. While their outright pace did not majorly standout, they appear to have a solid foundation to build upon as the season progresses.

Conclusion

The 2025 Bahrain pre-season test offered a first glimpse at the pecking order for the new season. While testing times should always be taken with caution due to sandbagging, early indications suggest a potentially competitive field. Mercedes and Ferrari seem poised to challenge Mclaren for their Constructors' title, Red Bull looks strong, and Williams has emerged as a dark horse. Meanwhile, Alpine, Aston Martin, and Racing Bulls remain consistent midfield contenders, while Haas and Sauber will be looking to improve before the first race.

With teams now analysing data and making final adjustments, the excitement is building for what promises to be a thrilling F1 season ahead. Comment what you thought was a standout moment of this years' testing, and who you think will clinch the titles! Will we have another dramatic showdown, or will one team run (or drive!) away with the points and wins early on? Let us know what you think!