The long Formula 1 winter break is finally coming to an end, and that means teams are returning to the track for the first official on-track action of 2025.

Just like last year, the pre-season test takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit, offering teams a crucial three-day window to fine-tune their cars before the season kicks off.

The test runs from Wednesday, February 26, to Friday, February 28, giving teams and drivers limited but valuable time to gather data, assess reliability, and optimize performance ahead of the opening race.

The format remains unchanged from 2024, with each day split into two sessions. The morning session begins at 08:00 CET, running for four hours before a midday break between 12:00 and 13:00 CET. This hour-long gap allows for lunch and potential driver swaps, before the afternoon session resumes at 13:00 CET and continues until 17:00 CET.

Bahrain’s pre-season test is particularly significant due to the circuit’s characteristics. Its mix of long straights, heavy braking zones, and high-speed corners provides a well-rounded challenge for car setup and tyre management.

Additionally, the warm and dry conditions allow for more consistent running compared to past winter tests in colder European locations, such as for example Barcelona.

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Why is pre-season testing so important, why it takes place in Bahrain, what to expect in 2025, where and who to watch this year? Find out HERE.

Here is the full schedule for the 2025 F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain: