Bahrain F1 Testing: Three very busy days to get ready for 2025

At 10 am local time, the sport's youngest driver rookie Kimi Antonelli (18) led the field out in his Mercedes this morning, with the oldest Fernando Alonso (43) following in the Aston Martin, to kick start three intense and important days for Formula 1.

This marks the first opportunity for teams and drivers to assess their new challengers ahead of the opening round in Australia. The three-day test will see all 10 teams take to the Bahrain International Circuit, gathering crucial data and making final adjustments before the campaign gets underway.

Pre-season testing offers teams the only chance to run their 2025 cars on track before racing begins. While simulators provide useful data, real-world conditions allow teams to validate their aerodynamic packages, assess mechanical reliability, and fine-tune set-ups.

Drivers in action on Wednesday

The three sessions are split between the morning (10:00-14:00) and afternoon (15:00-19:00). However, only one car per team can be on track at a time, meaning running is limited.

For drivers switching teams or making their Formula 1 debut, this test is a vital opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new machinery before the first race.

Bahrain has hosted pre-season testing six times since 2009, with its layout offering a mix of high and low-speed corners, long straights, and consistent weather conditions.

Unlike European circuits, where winter testing was traditionally held, Bahrain’s warm and dry climate ensures more representative running. The forecast for this week suggests cloudy skies, temperatures around 17°C, and no rain, allowing teams to maximise track time.

With in-season Formula 1 testing restricted, Bahrain provides teams with the first real-world comparison of their developments. The focus will be on: Aerodynamics, reliability, tyre performance, pit stop practice etc.

Teams often run different fuel loads, test varying set-ups, and experiment with tyre compounds, making direct comparisons unreliable. Sandbagging—deliberately running slower to mask true pace—is also a common tactic, while others may perform glory runs, setting quick laps on soft tyres that do not reflect race conditions.

While lap times may give an early indication of the competitive order, Formula 1 pre-season testing is not always a clear predictor of form.

In 2024, Lando Norris ended testing 14th on the final day for McLaren, yet the team went on to win the Teams’ Championship. Similarly, Zhou Guanyu finished third in testing but struggled for top-10 finishes throughout the season.

Live coverage of pre-season testing will be available via F1 TV Pro in select regions, with additional broadcasts from Formula 1’s television partners.

For real-time updates, the F1.com live blog will provide session reports, alongside live timing and post-session analysis.

Pre-season testing provides the first insight into how the 2025 Formula 1 grid will shape up. With just weeks to go before lights out in Melbourne, teams will be eager to maximise their running in Bahrain before the true competition begins.

GRANDPRIX247 will cover every minute of testing, with a midday summary followed by a full report at the end of the day, as well as team and river quotes. Enjoy!