The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain has concluded, offering a glimpse into the upcoming season’s dynamics.
What We’ve Learned from Bahrain’s F1 Pre-Season Testing
F1 pre-season testing saw a good mix of teams share the headlines, with Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Williams topping time sheets across the six sessions.
Mercedes’ Resurgence
Although testing shouldn’t really be anything to go by, Mercedes impressed across the three days.
Coming off the back of a difficult 2024 F1 season, the Silver Arrows arrived in Bahrain for pre-season testing ahead of the 2025 season strong.
Outstandingly, rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was fastest on Day 1’s morning session, lapping a 1.31.428. In the overall standings for the first day of testing, Mercedes were P2 and P7, with George Russell only a tenth behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.
On day 2, Mercedes weren’t far from the top again, with Russell only three tenths behind now former teammate Lewis Hamilton in the morning session. By the end of the second day, Toto Wolff’s team were P4 and P5.
Russell topped the final day with a 1:29.545, narrowly edging out reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
This performance hints at Mercedes’ potential return to form.
However, their race trim was not as convincing as their one-lap pace.
DAY 1 IN BAHRAIN: F1 Pre-Season Testing Day 1: Antonelli and Norris Lead the Way
Ferrari’s Strong Form
Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari appears seamless. While Day 1 was more of a clear sign that the Brit was still adapting to Ferrari’s cockpit, the final two days were positive.
On the second day, he was the fastest in the morning. As for the final standings, he was only three hundredths off of P1.
Teammate Charles Leclerc was also strong throughout pre-season testing.
The Monagasque was P4 on Day 1, and P3 on Day 2. He led the morning session on the final day, showcasing the SF25’s competitiveness.
Hamilton’s quest for the eighth, and Ferrari’s for championship glory may well be redeemed this 2025 F1 season, if pre-season testing is anything to go by.
Williams’ Bold Statement
Something that might have been odd to look at was Williams consistently being among the first teams on the timesheets across the three days.
Alexander Albon was P3 in the first morning session, while Carlos Sainz was fifth fastest by the end of the first day.
Their great form continued into the second day, with Sainz setting the fastest time.
Even though Sainz criticised the limited testing, suggesting more track time would benefit teams, especially those with new drivers, the Spaniard has had a seemingly seamless transition into Williams.
On Day 3, Albon was in P3, signaling Williams’ intent to challenge the front-runners. Will 2025 be the year we see Williams fighting for podiums and even wins again?
DAY 2 IN BAHRAIN: F1 Pre-Season Testing Day 2: Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton Top the Charts
McLaren’s Consistency
Norris had stated that the MCL36 felt a lot like McLaren’s 2024 challenger did, which is a great place to start.
However, he did also note that he has been struggling with the rear end of the car a lot more.
Whether McLaren will be able to address this issue before the Australian Grand Prix next weekend is an unknown, however, with 24 races, there may be a bit more time for the Woking-based team to find some stability.
Despite Norris and Oscar Piastri’s concerns, the reigning World Champions still showed great pace throughout pre-season testing. For one, the Brit was the fastest on Day 1.
For most of Day 2 and 3 though, both Norris and Piastri focused on long runs, with the MCL36 promising a good season ahead.
DAY 3 IN BAHRAIN: F1 Pre-Season Testing Day 3: Ferrari and Mercedes Fastest in Bahrain
It’s Race Week!… Well, Almost
F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain is finally done, and the 2025 F1 season is about to kick off.
The Australian Grand Prix returns as the season opener, with Ramadan dates, coinciding with what would have been the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prixs dates.
Clear your calendars, as a couple of early mornings – for European and African fans at least – are headed our way:
Friday 14 March
Free Practice 1: 12:30 (01:30 UK time)
Free Practice 2: 16:00 (05:00 UK time)
Saturday 15 March
Free Practice 3: 12:30 (01:30 UK time)
Qualifying: 16:00 (05:00 UK time)
Sunday 16 March
Race: 15:00 (04:00 UK time)
As teams analyse the data from pre-season testing, the season opener in Melbourne on March 16 promises an exciting start to the 2025 championship.
READ NEXT: F1: The Best Australian GP Season Opener
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 28.02.2025
