The 2025 Formula 1 season preparations are in full swing as Sauber and Racing Bulls head to the iconic Imola circuit for an intensive multi-day test. With both teams seeking to gain a competitive edge, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari will host their efforts to refine setups and integrate new driver lineups.
Racing Bulls’ three-day run with Tsunoda and rookie Hadjar
Racing Bulls, formerly AlphaTauri, will spend three days at Imola, taking advantage of its proximity to their Faenza base. The team will rely on 2025 drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar to log critical mileage in the 2023 AT04.
Tsunoda, now entering his fifth season with the team, is tasked with guiding Racing Bulls back into midfield contention after missing out on a Red Bull Racing promotion. Meanwhile, rookie Hadjar, stepping in for Liam Lawson, will be making his Formula 1 debut and is eager to showcase his potential.
Reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa will also get valuable track time, gaining experience in an F1 car as part of Racing Bulls’ long-term strategy.
Sauber’s farewell before the Audi era
As Sauber prepares for its transition to Audi in 2026, the team is set to utilize this test to fine-tune their 2022 C42 chassis with its refreshed driver lineup. Veteran Nico Hulkenberg, returning to Sauber after years away, will share the cockpit with highly touted newcomer Gabriel Bortoleto, who steps into Formula 1 after an impressive ascent through the junior ranks.
Having both drivers already familiarized with the team’s operations following the Abu Dhabi post-season test, Sauber aims to make the most of its time at Imola, running in parallel with Racing Bulls on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tighter testing regulations in 2025
Both teams will operate under tighter 2025 testing restrictions, with their mileage at Imola deducted from the newly imposed 1,000-kilometer limit for running previous-spec cars. These changes are part of the FIA’s efforts to reduce in-season testing and level the playing field.
Ferrari’s Fiorano plans with Hamilton debut
Not to be outdone, Ferrari is also slated to conduct its own testing later this week at Fiorano. The spotlight will be on Lewis Hamilton, who will make his eagerly awaited debut in Ferrari colors. The seven-time world champion’s maiden outing in red promises to be one of the most anticipated events of the off-season.
Key takeaways for Sauber and Racing Bulls
With Sauber and Racing Bulls eyeing improvement in 2025, these early tests will be crucial in shaping their seasons. For Racing Bulls, it’s about integrating rookie talent while building on Tsunoda’s experience. Sauber, meanwhile, seeks to establish consistency ahead of its Audi rebranding, with Hulkenberg’s veteran insight and Bortoleto’s fresh energy poised to play pivotal roles.
As teams refine their setups and drivers settle into their new roles, the stage is being set for an exciting 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
