The final day of the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain concluded with excitement and drama. Mercedes’ George Russell ended the session at the top of the timing sheets, showcasing the team’s solid performance. The event marked the end of three intense days of testing where all teams gave their best to prepare for the upcoming season. Notably, Lewis Hamilton made headlines as he completed his first official tests with Ferrari, registering competitive lap times that surpassed his new teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton, now in red after a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, impressed with his pace across the test sessions. Although he finished sixth overall on Friday, his times were consistently better than Leclerc’s. The day’s top performers included Russell, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and Williams’ Alex Albon. But it was Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams, who stole the spotlight by setting the fastest time of the entire test—1:29.348 on Thursday—cementing his and the team’s potential for the season ahead.
Aston Martin faced significant setbacks during the final day. Lance Stroll was sidelined in the morning due to illness, and upon returning in the afternoon, he completed only 24 laps before being replaced by Fernando Alonso. The last-minute switch disrupted the team’s testing schedule, limiting their ability to gather valuable data and prepare adequately. This driver swap chaos posed a major blow to Aston Martin’s progress and raised concerns about their season readiness.
Despite the hurdles, the data collected during the three days will be crucial for all teams. Engineers and strategists now return to their factories with heaps of performance data to analyze and refine their cars before the first race. The testing results hint at a highly competitive season, with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Williams showing early strength, while Red Bull and Aston Martin look to recover from less-than-ideal showings.
As anticipation builds for the start of the 2025 season, fans can expect fierce battles on track. With many drivers and teams closely matched, the smallest margins could determine victory or defeat. The pre-season test not only gave a glimpse of each team’s form but also stirred up narratives that will carry into the races. All eyes will be on whether Hamilton can deliver with Ferrari, if Russell will maintain his momentum, and how much of a threat Williams can become with Sainz’s surge in performance.
About the Author
