The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to begin with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 26 to 28. Teams will use the three-day event to evaluate car performance, reliability, and race strategies before the season opener. The schedule includes two daily sessions, running from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM UK time.
Several teams have already confirmed their driver line-ups for testing. Mercedes will have Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell alternating sessions, while Alpine will split duties between Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly. Haas follows a similar approach with Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, and Williams has Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz sharing track time. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will lead on Wednesday morning, with Liam Lawson stepping in for alternating sessions.
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Teams like Ferrari, McLaren, Sauber, Racing Bulls, and Aston Martin have yet to announce their testing schedules. However, all eyes will be on young drivers like Antonelli and Lawson, who are getting valuable track time alongside experienced racers.
Pre-season testing is crucial for teams to understand their cars’ strengths and weaknesses. While lap times may not always indicate actual race performance, Bahrain will provide an early look at which teams might have the edge heading into the season.
