The F1 cars are ready to roar on the asphalt in Bahrain for the first tests of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Three intense days during which the teams will test their new F1 cars before the big start in Melbourne in mid-March. But while these tests help fine-tune the final details, they don’t always give a realistic view of the upcoming hierarchy. James Vowles, head of Williams, doesn’t expect anyone to come out of Bahrain with any certainties. With new regulations, young recruits, and hidden surprises, what can really be drawn from these tests?
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What are F1 preseason tests?
F1 preseason tests are sessions held before the official season begins. They allow teams and drivers to trial their new cars, fine-tune setups, and gather important data on performance, aerodynamics, and tire behavior. Although the lap times don’t always reflect race conditions, these tests are essential for identifying issues and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season.
F1 2025: Tests under high pressure
The winter tests are a key event for the teams, but their limited duration complicates matters. Each team has three days to put its new car to the test, with only one driver on track at a time. This means that each driver has only a day and a half to get their bearings before the first race. This is especially critical for newcomers like Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto, who will be making their official laps in an F1. Mercedes, Racing Bulls, and Sauber will send them out on track so they can accumulate as many kilometers as possible before diving into full-blown competition.
Hamilton in Red, the main attraction
All eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton, who will make his first official appearance behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-25 alongside Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion is starting a new chapter in his career, and these tests are his only chance to adapt before the Australian Grand Prix. After a challenging season with Mercedes, he is determined to show he can still fight for the title, especially in the most decorated team in F1 history: Scuderia Ferrari. But he isn’t the only one changing teams. Nico Hülkenberg is returning to Sauber after more than ten years, while Carlos Sainz is coming back to Williams after his stint with Ferrari. Not to mention Liam Lawson, who is replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing. We know that being Max Verstappen’s teammate is one of the toughest roles to fill, so will he be up to the task after only a few races? These tests will be their first opportunity to discover their new environment and understand their car before the serious competition begins.
Can we really analyze the performance?
The lap times from the winter tests should always be taken with a grain of salt. Teams are testing different configurations, playing with fuel levels, and sometimes concealing their true potential. A car that is fast in testing will not necessarily be competitive in a race, and vice versa. Pirelli will also take advantage of these tests to run its entire 2025 tire range, including the new ultra-soft C6 compound. However, not everyone has opted for the same compounds: Ferrari and Williams will test the softest tires, while Aston Martin and Haas plan to use rain tires in case Bahrain’s unpredictable weather comes into play.
This article explores the stakes of the F1 winter tests and their impact on the 2025 Formula 1 season. With new faces, transfers, and performance analyses, these tests are a crucial step—but not always a revealing one. We’ll have to wait for Melbourne to see the true hierarchy settle on the grid.
Featured image: © BWT Alpine F1 Team
