Formula 1 has returned to action as teams take part in pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. The three-day event, running from February 26 to 28, is the only official test before the 2025 season begins in Australia next month.
The testing sessions provide teams with a crucial opportunity to assess car performance, reliability, and tyre management under real track conditions.
Hamilton's First Test with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton has made his first official outing in a Ferrari, marking a major shift in his F1 career. The seven-time world champion left Mercedes at the end of last season and is now partnering Charles Leclerc at the Italian team.
Speaking after his first laps in the SF-25, Hamilton said:
"It’s an incredible feeling to drive for Ferrari. There’s a lot to learn, but the car feels strong, and I’m excited for what’s ahead."
His switch from Mercedes to Ferrari has been one of the biggest talking points in F1, with fans eager to see how he adapts to his new team.
Rookies Get Their First Taste of F1
Three rookie drivers are making their pre-season testing debuts:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – The 18-year-old Italian replaces Hamilton at Mercedes and is considered one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
- Jack Doohan (Alpine) – Son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, the Australian is stepping into a full-time F1 seat after impressing in junior categories.
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) – A product of Ferrari’s driver academy, Bearman will be looking to make an impact in his first full season.
The rookies will be evaluated on consistency, adaptability, and feedback to engineers as teams prepare for the upcoming races.
What Happens in Pre-Season Testing?
The testing period allows teams to fine-tune their cars before the start of the season. Engineers will be looking at:
- Aerodynamics – How efficiently the car cuts through the air
- Tyre management – How the new Pirelli tyres perform over long runs
- Power unit performance – Testing reliability and fuel efficiency
- Race simulations – Teams will attempt to replicate real Grand Prix conditions
Each team will split driving duties between their two drivers across the three days.
Where and When is Testing Taking Place?
Location: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
Dates: February 26 – 28, 2025
Time: 08:00 – 17:00 (Local Time)
Live Coverage: Sky Sports F1 and F1 TV
Testing times are not always an accurate indicator of race performance, as teams run different strategies, fuel loads, and tyre compounds. However, early trends could reveal which teams have the strongest package heading into the season.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 F1 Season
The Formula 1 season begins on March 16 with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The Bahrain Grand Prix will take place a few weeks later, on April 13, as the fourth round of the championship.
With teams now gathering crucial data, the real battle begins to finalize setups, optimize performance, and solve any early issues before the first race.