In a thrilling debut, Aston Martin has successfully conducted its inaugural run with the team’s 2025 Formula 1 car, dubbed the AMR25, at Bahrain’s International Circuit. The circuit will also be the arena for the upcoming F1 pre-season testing later this week. This event marked the first real-world performance of the AMR25 after its digital unveiling on Sunday. The completely redesigned car represents a significant shift for the team, with almost all components being brand new, reflecting the team’s ambition to construct a more reliable and less unpredictable racing machine compared to its predecessor.
The first person to test drive the AMR25 was Lance Stroll, a seasoned F1 driver entering his ninth season in the sport and seventh with the team. Following Stroll’s initial run, the car was then handed over to Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion.
Meanwhile, Haas, another prominent player in the racing circuit, has also been active on the Bahrain track. They’ve been conducting tests with their VF-25, guided by Oliver Bearman. Bearman’s team-mate, Esteban Ocon, had earlier put the car through its paces at Silverstone.
Bearman, despite being a rookie, comes to the season with more experience than most newcomers. He has already made three F1 race starts in 2024, one with Ferrari and another two with Haas.
Speaking to the media, including Motorsport Week, Bearman expressed confidence in his preparedness for the upcoming season. His prior experience, both in race weekends and in Time Practice Cars (TPC), has equipped him well for the unique pressures of the sport. He is eagerly anticipating the forthcoming 24 races and the opportunity to further build on his experience.
The Bahrain circuit is expected to buzz with activity on Tuesday with Mercedes running the W16, and Red Bull presenting its RB21 for testing.
In conclusion, the initial shake down of the Aston Martin 2025 F1 car, the AMR25, marks an exciting new chapter for the team. The completely reinvented machine, with its state-of-the-art design and enhanced reliability, has the potential to significantly alter Aston Martin’s fortunes in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.