As the 2025 Formula 1 season inches closer, all eyes are on Bahrain for the highly anticipated pre-season testing. Teams and drivers will take to the Bahrain International Circuit to put their new machines through their paces, fine-tune setups, and gather crucial data before the lights go out at the first race of the season. Here’s what to expect from this year’s test sessions.
Get up to speed with everything you need to know about 2025’s official F1 pre-season testing session, which takes place at the 5.412-kilometre Bahrain International Circuit – home of the Bahrain Grand Prix – in Sakhir over three days on February 26-28.
Teams and Drivers to Watch
This year’s pre-season test is particularly intriguing, with multiple storylines unfolding:
- Red Bull’s Dominance or a New Challenger? Can Red Bull maintain its grip on the sport, or will rivals like Mercedes, Ferrari, or McLaren close the gap?
- New Driver Pairings: Several teams have reshuffled their driver lineups. How will these new duos fare in their first official runs?
- Rookie Watch: Any rookie on the grid will be under scrutiny, with fans eager to see how they adapt to F1 machinery.
Key Testing Objectives
Pre-season testing isn’t about setting the fastest lap times but rather understanding the car’s behavior and reliability. Here are the main areas teams will focus on:
- Aerodynamics: Teams will trial different wing configurations and floor designs to maximize downforce and efficiency.
- Power Unit Performance: Fine-tuning engine maps and cooling systems will be crucial for race-day reliability.
- Tire Degradation: Bahrain’s abrasive surface provides valuable insights into tire wear and strategies for the season.
- Race Simulations: Teams will run long stints to analyze fuel consumption, tire wear, and overall performance under race conditions.
