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Following the spectacle of Formula 1’s first joint livery unveiling in London last week, the focus shifts toward a more significant event: pre-season testing.
As is customary, the testing will occur over three days in Bahrain, starting at 7am GMT (10am local time) on Wednesday. Fans can catch all the action via F1 TV and Sky broadcasts.
Notably, this year marks the first time since 2020 that Bahrain will not host the opening race of the season, presenting unique challenges for the teams and sparking conversations about the implications for their preparations.
Here are some key storylines to follow during the testing this week.
1. Red Bull’s Pursuit of Improved Handling
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Last year, Red Bull demonstrated exceptional performance during testing, leading the initial day by a significant margin and prioritizing long-term pace over final day speed runs. Yet, it should be acknowledged that much of this advantage arose from the underwhelming performances of rival teams.
A closer examination revealed handling issues that plagued the RB20, evident in Max Verstappen’s multiple off-track excursions as well as reliability problems encountered by Sergio Perez. Over the off-season, Red Bull focused on refining its car’s handling dynamics while also seeking to enhance its competitive edge against rival teams, specifically in reducing drag with their rear wing designs.
This week will provide an opportunity for the team to gauge whether these adjustments have been effective. Despite the common refrain from teams that “it’s just testing,” data analysis allows them to assess their standings relative to competitors early in the season. Performance during testing carries weight.
2. McLaren’s Bid to Overcome Bahrain Hurdles
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38 and Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Despite the ownership ties between the Bahrain sovereign wealth fund and McLaren Group, the team’s recent track record at the Sakhir circuit has been disappointing under the current car design regulations.
In 2022, COVID-19 sidelined Daniel Ricciardo during testing, and a brake failure hindered Lando Norris’s performance. Last year, McLaren recorded the fewest laps of any team. In 2024, while they had started positively, inconsistencies and issues like fuel system debris hindered their race simulations, and a sixth-place finish in the opening race was their best result in Bahrain over recent years.
As the reigning constructors’ champions, McLaren’s success during this week’s testing will be a critical predictor of their performance as they prepare for the season opener in Melbourne. A productive testing phase with the MCL39 is essential.
3. Rookies Testing Their Skills in New Vehicles
Oliver Bearman, Reserve Driver, Ferrari and Haas F1 Team, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes-AMG F1 Team, in the Paddock
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
In contrast to last year’s driver line-up stability, this season features a remarkable influx of rookie talent, comprising 30% of the grid. Notably, multiple newcomers have previous experience as substitutes in F1 races, including Liam Lawson, Oliver Bearman, and Jack Doohan.
On the other hand, fellow rookies Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are also entering the fray. The spotlight will particularly shine on Antonelli as he steps into the role previously held by Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, making every lap he records particularly scrutinized.
4. Hamilton and Ferrari Under the Spotlight Again
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Ferrari
As Hamilton embarks on his third new journey in F1, he faces a significantly compressed acclimatization period with his new Ferrari team compared to his past transitions. With only 1.5 days to familiarize himself with the SF-25, this testing opportunity is crucial.
Given that Hamilton’s recent filming day was limited in mileage and only utilized demonstration tires, this week’s testing will be vital for assessing the team’s performance and car capabilities. The beginning of the Hamilton-Ferrari partnership has certainly been a headline topic this season, and the testing results could play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions moving forward.
5. Anticipating Surprises in Technical Developments
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 W11
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
The upcoming testing is expected to reveal how teams are balancing their 2025 vehicle development needs alongside refining their debut challengers for the new regulations next season.
Midfield teams are likely to invest heavily in initial testing before redirecting their focus towards development for the following year. This week may also see significant alterations to car designs as teams navigate potential technological advancements.
Past instances in F1 illustrate that even subtle design evolutions can lead to remarkable surprises, as was the case with Mercedes’ implementation of dual-axis steering in 2020. Close attention to onboard camera footage and lap speed readings will be essential for insights into any novel flexibility in wings.
6. Mercedes’ Preparations Ahead of Testing
George Russell, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes-AMG, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Photo by: Getty Images
In a change from past seasons, Mercedes plans to conduct a filming day on February 24 at the Bahrain circuit, breaking from their traditional Silverstone location. This strategic move comes in response to previous difficulties faced due to unfavorable designs and weather, allowing for critical installation work to proceed before the official testing begins.
7. The Importance of This Testing Session
All drivers and cars
Photo by: Getty Images
As with previous years, teams will showcase their new cars and drivers for promotional purposes ahead of the testing session. This year’s unique schedule does not grant teams the luxury of more practice time before the first race, emphasizing the importance of maximizing lap counts during testing.
The teams will prioritize gathering data and addressing any potential issues as they prepare for the upcoming season. Laurent Mekies, team principal of Racing Bulls, echoed sentiments about the increased complexity of testing this time around, suggesting fans can anticipate more laps than last year.
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www.motorsport.com