Formula 1 will be soon back on track for the highly anticipated 2025 pre-season testing, set to take place from February 26 to 28 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

This three-day event is a crucial moment for teams and drivers, giving them the first real opportunity to test their new cars, analyse performance data, and fine-tune their setups before the season opener in Melbourne.

WHY IS PRE-SEASON TESTING IMPORTANT?

Pre-season testing is the only official opportunity for teams to run their cars under real racing conditions before the first Grand Prix.

While teams conduct private simulations and wind tunnel testing, nothing replaces actual track time. Engineers monitor aerodynamics, tire degradation, and engine performance, ensuring the cars are reliable and competitive.

The testing also allows drivers to adjust to their new cars—and for some, new teams—as they fine-tune their driving style and gain confidence ahead of the first race.

WHY BAHRAIN?

Bahrain has become the go-to location for pre-season testing, mainly due to its warm climate and consistent weather conditions. Unlike previous years when testing was held in Spain (Barcelona) or Jerez, Bahrain offers a hot, dry environment, reducing the risk of rain disrupting the schedule.

The track itself is also ideal for testing: it has a mix of high-speed straights and tight corners, allowing teams to evaluate braking performance, tyre wear, and aerodynamic efficiency.

Additionally, Bahrain is also the host of the the round 4 in 2025, meaning teams can collect valuable data that will be directly applicable when the real racing begins.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Although pre-season testing is not an actual race, it offers plenty of excitement. Teams often run different fuel loads, test various aerodynamic setups, and experiment with new car components. Some teams prefer to keep their true pace hidden, while others might try to make a statement by setting fast lap times.

For fans watching, it’s important to remember that lap times alone don’t tell the full story. A car setting the fastest time might be running a lighter fuel load or softer tyre compound, making it appear quicker than it actually is in race conditions. Conversely, a team that looks slow might simply be focused on longer race simulations or gathering data rather than outright speed.

Also expect to see plenty of flow-vis paint—a mix of fluorescent powder and light oil—along with aero rakes, which are scaffolding-like structures fitted with sensors, attached to the cars. These tools help teams assess whether the car or specific components are functioning as expected.

Additionally, take in mind that the cars seen during testing may not be identical to those racing in the season opener. In previous years, teams have introduced significant upgrades between testing and the first race. Given the two-week gap between the initial on-track sessions, it is highly likely that teams will implement some form of upgrade before the first Grand Prix of the year in Australia on March 16.

WHERE AND WHEN TO WATCH?

Media coverage will be extensive, with F1 TV Pro and official Formula 1 broadcasters providing live coverage of the action. Fans can also follow the official F1 website for live lap times, technical analysis, and team updates throughout the event.

The official timings are yet to be confirmed, but based on last year's schedule, the 2025 sessions in Bahrain will likely run from 10:00 to 19:00 local time (AST) each day. In Central European Time (CET), this would be 08:00 to 17:00.

WHO TO WATCH IN 2025?

The spotlight is on Lewis Hamilton, making his Ferrari debut alongside Charles Leclerc. While Leclerc knows the car and the team inside out, Hamilton’s experience could quickly close the gap. Will they work well together, or will we see early signs of rivalry?

Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz is starting a new chapter at Williams, a move that could either be a fresh start or a tough challenge, depending on how competitive the car is.

At Mercedes, all eyes are on rookie Kimi Antonelli, stepping into Hamilton’s old seat at just 18 years old. He’s highly rated, but can he handle the pressure at a top team?

It’s also the first proper F1 run for rookies like Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar, while Jack Doohan faces his first real test under the spotlight at Alpine.

Over at Red Bull, Liam Lawson finally gets his full-time shot—now he needs to prove he belongs there and can be a great fit for the Austrian team alongside Max Verstappen.