F1 preseason testing kicks off in Bahrain, Hamilton on track for Ferrari

Dominika Jordan
Feb 26, 2025, 02:34 AM ET

The engines have roared to life at the Sakhir International Circuit, marking the commencement of Formula 1's crucial preseason testing for the 2025 season. As the sun rose over Bahrain, all attention was focused on Lewis Hamilton, who hit the track for Ferrari, garnering significant interest as he embarks on this new chapter with the iconic team.

Lewis Hamilton sets the pace for Ferrari as F1 preseason testing begins in Bahrain.

The three-day test is the singular chance for teams to glean on-track data about their performance machines ahead of the official opening race in Australia on March 16. Sessions are structured over the day with a morning stint from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an afternoon session from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., making for an intense schedule under the circuit's towering floodlights.

In keeping with testing regulations, teams are permitted to run only a single car, necessitating strategic splits between teammates to maximize insights across roughly 12 hours of track time.

As the first day of testing unfolded, it became evident that the drama and excitement of the offseason have perfectly set the stage for the new season. Hamilton set the tone early for Ferrari, while reigning world champion Max Verstappen prepared to tackle the afternoon session for Red Bull. Amidst these racing titans, rookies Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), and Mick Doohan (Alpine) seized the opportunity to showcase their potential.

The preseason in Bahrain is expected to reveal much about the dynamics of the 2025 championship. For Hamilton, transitioning to Ferrari has been a talking point leading into testing. Having participated in four private tests with the team, this week marks his first significant opportunity to familiarize himself with the car under competitive conditions. These previous tests primarily involved older Ferrari models, operating under the constraints of F1's Testing of Previous Cars regulations.

This week’s testing is also pivotal as it offers the first genuine opportunity for teams to operate their cars on the same tires that will be used throughout the season. Each team brought a selection of 35 tire sets, from which they will utilize up to 30 during the test days.

Wednesday’s running order:

McLaren: Piastri (morning) / Norris (afternoon)

Ferrari: Hamilton (morning) / Leclerc (afternoon)

Red Bull: Lawson (morning) / Verstappen (afternoon)

Mercedes: Antonelli (morning) / Russell (afternoon)

Aston Martin: Alonso (morning) / Stroll (afternoon)

Alpine: Doohan (morning) / Gasly (afternoon)

Haas: Bearman (morning) / Ocon (afternoon)

Racing Bulls: Tsunoda (morning) / Hadjar (afternoon)

Williams: Albon (morning) / Sainz (afternoon)

Sauber: Hulkenberg (morning) / Bortoleto (afternoon)

As the testing in Bahrain progresses, teams and drivers alike will be eager to define their pace, understand their capabilities, and stake their claim on the narrative of the 2025 season.