F1 preseason test in Bahrain: highlights and insights
The Formula 1 season kicked off this week as all 10 teams gathered in Bahrain for a three-day test of their 2025 cars. With 20 cars hitting the track on Wednesday morning, teams had the sole opportunity to test their vehicles ahead of the season-opening Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.
Day one highlights
All eyes were on Lewis Hamilton, who first took to the track in the SF-25. After his initial run, Hamilton noted that he and the new car were "bonding." Angela Cullen, Hamilton’s performance coach, made a return to the paddock this year after a stint with Marcus Armstrong in IndyCar.
The weather, colder than usual at around 15°C with sporadic rain, caused some disruptions. A power outage in the late afternoon led to an hour's extension of the session. Lando Norris clocked the fastest lap of the day, outpacing George Russell and Max Verstappen.
Day two highlights
The second day saw short periods of rain, with Esteban Ocon the only driver using intermediate tires. Carlos Sainz set the fastest time of both the day and the entire test with a lap time of 1:29.348, marginally ahead of Hamilton.
Flow visualization paint and aero rakes were a common sight, as teams analyzed aerodynamics. Meanwhile, Verstappen and Norris exchanged jokes about their anticipated rivalry, with Verstappen humorously remarking on their "terrible relationship."
Day three highlights
More unusual incidents occurred on day three, including a red-flagged session due to Oliver Bearman's Haas losing part of its engine cover. Another red flag was prompted by shattered glass from the gantry falling onto the track.
Illness struck the Aston Martin camp, limiting Lance Stroll’s run and affecting Fernando Alonso as well. George Russell topped the timesheets, besting Max Verstappen and setting a 1:29.545 lap in the afternoon, though Sainz's time from day two remained the quickest overall.
As teams head to Melbourne, the preseason testing in Bahrain has provided valuable insights, despite the unpredictable circumstances and light-hearted moments among competitors.
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