2025 F1 pre-season testing begins: Early signs, controversies, and standout performances
The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing commenced at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Lando Norris setting the fastest lap on the opening day.
The session experienced a brief interruption due to a power outage, but teams maximised the extended track time to gather valuable data ahead of the upcoming season.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Samy Aouati takes us through the key points from the first day of pre-season testing.
Early signs but cautious interpretations
F1 Testing is officially underway! For the first time this year, the 2025 cars are hitting the track.
It's important to take F1 Testing results with a pinch of salt, as teams employ different strategies.
For many teams, simply getting their cars on track and running reliably is a crucial first step.
Mercedes driver George Russell has previously noted that drivers can often sense their car’s potential from the very first turn, making initial impressions significant.
Encouragingly, the opening day has seen smooth running for most teams, with only minor disruptions.
Aston Martin encountered the most notable issue, as Fernando Alonso was forced to cut his first run short after just 19 laps due to a design problem near the pedal area.
However, overall reliability across the grid has been strong - a positive sign as teams push forward with their testing programs.
READ MORE: F1 preview: Key things to look out for as 2025 pre-season testing gets underway in Bahrain
Stable regulations allow for continuity
The FIA has made minimal changes to the regulations this season, which has helped teams develop their cars with fewer adjustments.
Williams Racing, for example, has retained its 2024 chassis design with only slight modifications - something made possible due to the stability of regulations.
This approach allows teams to keep one eye on the major 2026 regulation changes, which will undoubtedly be a key focus.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles has previously emphasised the importance of 2026, with the team fully committing to that development.
Keeping the same chassis from last year has also helped them save part of their budget for the future.
Mercedes under scrutiny amid strong start
Mercedes has found itself at the centre of some early controversy after Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz highlighted similarities between its sidepod design and Red Bull’s 2024 concept.
While regulations prohibit teams from directly copying a rival’s design, no formal complaints have been lodged by Red Bull so far.
Despite the speculation, Mercedes delivered an impressive performance on the track, topping the timesheets and completing strong, consistent runs throughout the session.
The team appeared solid, sparking optimism that things may finally be falling into place for the Silver Arrows.
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Promising performances as testing commences
The 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain has kicked off with teams showcasing strong performances.
McLaren's Norris led the timesheets, setting a fastest lap of 1m 30.430s, closely followed by Mercedes' George Russell and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Ferrari demonstrated impressive straight-line speed, with Charles Leclerc securing the fourth spot.
Notably, Williams' newcomer Carlos Sainz finished fifth, indicating a competitive field as the season approaches.
The smooth running and reliability observed across the grid have set an optimistic tone for the upcoming season.
As testing progresses, the excitement continues to build, with teams eager to assess their performance and make necessary adjustments ahead of the season opener.
The initial results suggest a closely matched field, promising an exhilarating season of F1 racing.
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