F1 2025 Testing: Latest Technical Innovations on Display in Bahrain
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F1 2025 Testing: Latest Technical Innovations on Display in Bahrain
Formula 1 teams have hit the track in Bahrain for the first day of F1 2025 pre-season testing, showcasing a wide array of technical innovations. From intricate aerodynamic rakes to detailed flow visualization tests, teams are collecting crucial data to fine-tune their cars ahead of the season opener.
Stay updated throughout the day as we bring you the latest insights into each team's developments.
Mercedes W16: Aero Rakes in Action
Kimi Antonelli, driving the Mercedes W16, was first out of the pit lane with Kiel probe rakes mounted behind the front wheels. These rakes are designed to measure airflow and provide valuable data on aerodynamic performance.
Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari SF-25
Lewis Hamilton, now at the wheel of the Ferrari SF-25, conducted a five-lap run with a large Kiel probe rake attached to the chassis. The Brit focused on steady-state speed runs to gather aerodynamic data before the rakes were removed.
McLaren MCL39: Custom Aero Rakes
McLaren’s MCL39 also featured Kiel probe rakes behind the front wheels. The team has designed a unique setup with a stanchion reaching up to the rear wing tip, allowing for more precise data collection.
Racing Bulls VCARB02: Wider Kiel Rakes
The Racing Bulls VCARB02 featured a significantly wider Kiel probe rake setup, helping the team analyze wake turbulence and airflow distribution around the car.
Sauber C45: Airbox-Focused Data Collection
The Sauber C45 opted for a smaller Kiel probe rake, positioned to analyze airflow around the airbox and engine cover shoulders.
Alpine A525: Precision Testing
The Alpine A525 carried a compact Kiel probe rake focusing on the area ahead of the sidepod inlet to assess airflow behavior.
Red Bull RB21: Flo-Viz Instead of Aero Rakes
Unlike other teams, Red Bull chose not to use Kiel probe rakes on the RB21. Instead, the team applied Flo-Viz paint to the sidepod inlets, allowing them to visualize airflow patterns.
Williams FW47: Large Aero Rakes
The Williams FW47 featured multiple large Kiel probe rakes behind the front wheels and ahead of the rear wing, collecting aerodynamic data across various sections of the car.
Haas VF-25: Front Wing Innovations
The Haas VF-25 front wing showcased a short chord on the upper flap's innermost section, hinting at a revised aerodynamic approach.
Aston Martin AMR25: New Wing Mirror Design
The Aston Martin AMR25 introduced a new wing mirror arrangement featuring a vertical baffle alongside the mirror body, diverging from the traditional lower-section mounting.
Sauber C45: Top-Down Front Wing Analysis
A top-down perspective of the Sauber C45 front wing revealed subtle yet significant refinements aimed at optimizing aerodynamic efficiency.
McLaren MCL39: Front Suspension Details
The McLaren MCL39 featured an intriguing front suspension design, with flared fairings at the inboard end to manipulate airflow.
Mercedes W16: Floor Analysis
While the Mercedes W16 floor appears largely unchanged from last season, it remains a key area for upcoming development and reference throughout testing.
Ferrari SF-25: Sidepod Intake Adjustments
The Ferrari SF-25 has shifted its P-shaped sidepod inlet further back for 2025, integrating a triangular endplate for improved airflow management.
Sauber C45: Flo-Viz Paint on Front Suspension
Sauber applied Flo-Viz paint to the front suspension of the C45, allowing engineers to confirm whether airflow matches their simulation models.
Ferrari SF-25: Rear Wing Refinements
The rear of the Ferrari SF-25 now includes a centrally dipped rear wing, a bi-plane-style beam wing, and a redesigned diffuser.
Alpine A525: Rear-End Flow Visualization
Alpine’s A525 carried Flo-Viz paint across its rear suspension and bodywork, enabling engineers to track airflow movement.
McLaren MCL39: Overhead Perspective
An overhead shot of the McLaren MCL39 offered a comprehensive look at its latest design elements.
Red Bull RB21: Suspension Flow Testing
Red Bull applied Flo-Viz paint to the front suspension fairing and chassis side, helping them analyze how air moves down towards the floor and sidepods.
Ferrari SF-25: Mirror Aerodynamics
A closer look at the Ferrari SF-25 showcased its innovative wing mirror setup, including a full-width slat and an inboard baffle.
Williams FW47: Extensive Flo-Viz Testing
The Williams FW47 was covered in Flo-Viz paint, particularly on the rear wing, as the team sought to validate airflow behavior.
Aston Martin AMR25: Overhead View
An overhead image of the Aston Martin AMR25 revealed crucial design elements that could shape its performance in 2025.
Ferrari SF-25: Kiel Rake Data Collection
Ferrari utilized Kiel probe rakes on the SF-25 to study airflow interactions with the rear wheels’ wake turbulence.
Sauber C45: Steering Wheel Controls
The Sauber C45 steering wheel featured various buttons and rotary controls, providing insights into the team’s power unit and chassis settings.
Alpine A525: Floor Aero Testing
Alpine applied Flo-Viz paint to the floor of the A525 to confirm whether its aerodynamic setup matched computational predictions.
As pre-season testing continues in Bahrain, expect further refinements and new components to emerge as teams fine-tune their F1 2025 contenders.
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