As the dust settles after the thrilling Formula 1 2025 pre-season test in Melbourne, we delve into the heart of the action, dissecting the early performances of the teams and drivers. This analysis is based on countless hours spent by our expert team at the Bahrain track, engaging in in-depth paddock conversations, and observing every twist and turn on the circuit.
Emerging as the early frontrunner is McLaren, a team that has been the talk of the town amongst rivals. Pinning down a title favourite after testing is never straightforward, but all signs seem to point towards McLaren. Lando Norris’s stunning long run on the second day, coupled with Oscar Piastri leading the race simulations on the final day, has set tongues wagging. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t guarantee a win in Melbourne. Despite the other top four teams from 2024 failing to impress as much during the three-day test, the race remains open.
On the other end of the spectrum, Red Bull, having arrived at the pre-season test with a familiar-looking car, appears to be struggling. Their attempt at innovation doesn’t seem to be paying off, with the direction of changes not as impactful as anticipated, according to their technical director, Pierre Wache. Concerns over necessary fixes for the opening races and a failure to broaden the car’s working window suggest Red Bull may have to brace for a repetition of the mid-2024 woes.
While Mercedes’ performance was commendable, the spotlight was stolen by 18-year-old rookie, Kimi Antonelli. The young driver, who stepped into the shoes of F1’s most successful driver, has already made an impressive mark. His track timings and ease behind the wheel make his induction seem like a seamless transition, overshadowing the fact that Mercedes needs to demonstrate consistent performance to truly claim victory.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, a headline-grabbing development, had everyone waiting for the pre-season test. The verdict: Hamilton seems to be enjoying his Ferrari debut. His comfort with the SF-25, particularly in the ground effect era, hints at a promising start. However, as Friday’s race simulation was missed, questions still linger, even though Hamilton’s initial days in Maranello seem promising.
On the downside, Aston Martin appears to be grappling with challenges. Despite the AMR25 showing signs of being a more driver-friendly platform, the team’s new boss, Andy Cowell, acknowledged that there are areas requiring more focus. This puts Aston Martin in a position where it has to fight to lead the midfield, much like its position at the end of 2024.
Williams, on the other hand, is making waves after a strong test showing. With the addition of Carlos Sainz and the financial boost from sponsor Atlassian, Williams seems to be on the right track. While the fastest week-end time may not be a true reflection of their position, the team appears to be well-prepared and faster than last year, placing it at the top of the midfield.
However, the extensive broadcast coverage of the testing sessions was a bit of a dampener for fans. The 24-hour-long FP1 session, with half the field running, made it less of a spectacle, particularly since the teams were performing fairly well.
Alpine, compared to its performance 12 months ago, is showing signs of a robust evolution. With its 2025 car, the team seems to be on track to lead the midfield, a significant leap from being potentially the slowest team last year.
In contrast, Sauber’s testing performance left much to be desired. With Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto struggling to maneuver the Sauber, the team may find itself lagging behind in the small field. This is not an ideal situation, especially for rookie Bortoleto, who lacks the F1 test experience of rivals like Kimi Antonelli or Ollie Bearman, or for Hulkenberg, who shouldn’t be saddled with F1’s slowest car given his midfield reputation.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming season, the stakes are high, and the competition fierce. The true winners and losers will only be revealed when the rubber hits the road in Melbourne. Until then, let the speculation continue!
