Formula 1 springs into action on Wednesday as 2025 pre-season testing launches at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Against the backdrop of sun-scorched asphalt and swirling desert winds, teams will put their latest machines through their paces in the first true test of 2025’s competitive landscape.
From February 26 to 27, the circuit will serve as a proving ground where ten teams will evaluate their fresh designs, innovations, and performance packages ahead of the new season, and offer fans an early glimpse at the pecking order.
After securing its first Constructors’ title since1998, McLaren enters the season as the hunted rather than the hunter. Can they maintain their momentum, or will their rivals close the gap?
A turbulent 2024 saw Red Bull lose its grip on the title after years of superiority. Have they solved their issues, or will this year’s regulations continue to disrupt their stronghold?
After over a decade with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton embarks on a new challenge with Ferrari. Will his long-awaited move to Maranello deliver instant success or come with early growing pains?
With an abundance of fresh talent on the grid, all eyes will be on how the newcomers handle their first true F1 test. Will they thrive under pressure or struggle with the sport’s steep learning curve?
Expect twists aplenty – pleasant shocks and stinging setbacks will ripple through the pitlane, with the odd chance a top team stumbles while an underdog nails it.
Sandbagging will cloud the picture too, as some play coy with their true pace. Testing’s just the start, but it’ll set the tone for a 24-race slugfest. Who’s ready to lead the charge—and who’s got work to do? Bahrain’s about to spill the first secrets of 2025.
Schedule:
The action at Sakhir will start every day at 07:00 GMT (08:00 CET) and drivers will run until 11:00 GMT (12:00 CET), after which teams will enjoy a one-hour lunch break with the running resuming at 12:00 GMT (13:00 CET) and concluding at 16:00 GMT (17:00 CET).So that’s eight hours of running overall per day.
Where can I watch?
Fans in the UK will be able to watch the entire Bahrain test – all three days – on Sky Sports F1, whileThose in the United States can watch on ESPN+ and, in regions where it’s available, F1 TV Pro customers will get full live coverage of testing.
We will of course bring you updates, reports and pictures throughout each session as well as a late-afternoon summary of the day’s action.
Provisional Driver line-ups for Bahrain F1 pre-season test:
WednesdayFebruary 26ThursdayFebruary 27FridayFebruary 28McLarenAMPMAMPMAMPMFerrariAMPMAMPMAMPMRed BullAM Max VerstappenPM Liam LawsonMax VerstappenLiam LawsonMercedesAM Kimi AntonelliPM George RussellAM George RussellPM Kimi AntonelliAM Kimi AntonelliPM George RussellAston Martin F1AM Fernando AlonsoPM Lance StrollAM Fernando AlonsoPM Lance StrollAM Lance StrollPM Fernando AlonsoAlpineAM Jack DoohanPM Pierre GaslyAM Pierre GaslyPM Jack DoohanAM Jack DoohanPM Pierre GaslyHaasAM Ollie BearmanPM Esteban OconAM Esteban OconPM Ollie BearmanAM Ollie BearmanPM Esteban OconRacing BullsAM Yuki TsunodaPM Isack HadjarAM Yuki TsunodaPM Isack HadjarAM Isack HadjarPM Yuki TsunodaWilliamsAM Alex AlbonPM Carlos SainzCarlos SainzAlex AlbonSauber AM Nico HulkenbergPM Gabriel BortoletoAM Nico HulkenbergPM Gabriel BortoletoAM Gabriel BortoletoPM Nico Hulkenberg
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