The first day of Formula 1’s pre-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit brought with it a plethora of insights that have begun to shape the narratives for the 2025 season. The much-anticipated gathering of all 10 teams on track offered a wealth of conjecture and analysis, setting the stage for a dramatic season ahead.
McLaren, last year’s constructors’ champion, started the day somewhat unassumingly, not clocking a lap time for the first few hours. However, this was no cause for alarm; the team clarified this was part of their original run plan. When Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris eventually took to the track, their performances were anything but underwhelming. Norris, in particular, shone, clocking a time noticeably ahead of rivals Red Bull and Mercedes. While it’s premature to draw conclusions from these initial times, McLaren’s performance left a lasting impression.
The on-track comparison yielded a predictable ‘winner’ on day one – McLaren. It not only topped the timesheets but also demonstrated consistency and composure. Particularly when Norris took the wheel, the car demonstrated impressive traction on corner exit – a crucial aspect for Bahrain’s track. This suggests a well-engineered mechanical platform and driver skill that allows for optimal car rotation, preventing limitations at corner exit.
While McLaren stole the show, the other frontrunners shouldn’t be counted out just yet. Mercedes displayed balance and consistency, with drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell exuding confidence. Ferrari showed promising signs, albeit with some inconsistencies in handling and the need for set-up tweaks. Red Bull, while steady during race-pace, displayed some difficulty when pushed to the limit.
The Red Bull RB21 indeed looks remarkably similar to its predecessor, the RB20. Despite speculation over a significant visual overhaul, the car remains fundamentally unchanged, leading to questions about the team’s strategy. However, team boss Christian Horner assures that each aerodynamic surface has been fine-tuned or optimized. The decision to stick with a low-key evolution might be attributed to Red Bull’s confidence in the solid platform of the 2024 car and the reluctance to divert resources to develop a substantially different car concept with major regulatory changes on the horizon in 2026.
Lewis Hamilton’s first day testing the Ferrari offered a mixed bag of results. While he finished ninth, slower than teammate Charles Leclerc, it’s important to consider the context. Hamilton drove during the slower time of day, and the unusually cool temperatures in Bahrain may have affected performance. Hamilton’s confidence and aggression remained unabated, suggesting the learning curve ahead is steep but not insurmountable.
Red Bull’s new recruit, Liam Lawson, made an instant impact, impressing the team with his feedback and attitude. His input has already bolstered the team’s confidence in the run-up to the new season. This fresh perspective could be a welcome change for Red Bull, following a challenging period last year with Sergio Perez.
Mercedes’ performance elicited cautious optimism. Both Russell and Antonelli delivered encouraging lap times and expressed satisfaction with the car’s balance. However, the cooler conditions of the day, which have historically favored Mercedes, serve as a reminder not to get overly confident.
Alpine, with Pierre Gasly at the helm, emerged as a potential early midfield leader. This is a stark contrast to last year’s struggles with an overweight, slow car. Aston Martin’s performance was harder to assess due to lost track time, while Williams demonstrated potential despite some instability.
Haas, the slowest team on day one, seemed to be on a different programme altogether, primarily conducting high-fuel running. Both drivers, Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, reported improvements from last year, though the extent remains unclear.
The day’s only interruption was a power outage, causing a temporary halt to the session. However, the lost time was added to the end of the day, ensuring teams didn’t lose out.
As the pre-season testing continues, it’s clear that the 2025 Formula 1 season promises an intense contest full of surprises, strategic maneuvers, and high-octane drama.
