F1 Testing in Bahrain: Hamilton’s Ferrari Era & Other Big Stories
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Hashim Sheikh
- . February 26, 2025
- . Update: February 26, 2025 4:22 pm
Formula 1 is back in action as teams begin pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. For the next three days, all 10 teams will test their new cars and make adjustments before the first race in Australia.
In the testing season for F1 races, all the top drivers and fresh new talents are filled with excitement. Check key details:
Bahrain Pre-Season Testing: Key Details
| Date | Session Timings (GMT) | Venue | Weather Forecast |
| Feb 26-28, 2025 | 07:00 – 11:00 (AM) 12:00 – 16:00 (PM) | Bahrain International Circuit | Partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain |
Who’s Driving on Day 1?
| Team | Morning (AM) | Afternoon (PM) |
| McLaren | Oscar Piastri | Lando Norris |
| Ferrari | Lewis Hamilton | Charles Leclerc |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen | Liam Lawson |
| Mercedes | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | George Russell |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll |
| Alpine | Jack Doohan | Pierre Gasly |
| Haas | Oliver Bearman | Esteban Ocon |
| Racing Bulls | Yuki Tsunoda | Isack Hadjar |
| Williams | Alex Albon | Carlos Sainz |
| Sauber | Nico Hulkenberg | Gabriel Bortoleto |
Top Storylines for Day 1
The Middle East’s Expanding Role in F1
Bahrain has become a key destination for F1. The nation is not only hosting testing but also one of the season’s major races. This test gives Middle Eastern fans an exclusive first look at the new cars before the season begins.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Era Begins
The seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will drive the iconic red car for the first time in an official test session. All eyes are on his key performance.
Rising Stars Get Their Chance
This year many key talents like Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), and Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) making their official testing debuts.
Can Red Bull Stay on Top?
Reigning champions Red Bull dominated last season, but will they maintain their edge? Max Verstappen leads the charge in the morning session, followed by reserve driver Liam Lawson in the afternoon. Their early runs will offer clues about Red Bull’s form heading into 2025.
Weather and Tyres Could Play a Role
Bahrain’s desert climate usually means dry conditions, but there’s a small chance of rain on Day 2. Teams will also test Pirelli’s full range of tyres, including the brand-new ultra-soft C6 compound, which could be a key factor in upcoming Middle Eastern races.
