F1 2025 PRE-SEASON TESTING: WINNERS and LOSERS Emerge After Bahrain Sessions

F1 2025 PRE-SEASON TESTING: WINNERS AND LOSERS EMERGE AFTER BAHRAIN SESSIONS

The Formula 1 paddock has departed Bahrain after a thrilling three days of pre-season testing, which provided valuable insight into the competitive order for the upcoming season. While some teams impressed with their pace and reliability, others faced setbacks and challenges that will need to be addressed before the first Grand Prix of the season.

One of the standout performers of the test was McLaren, who demonstrated impressive pace and consistency throughout the three days. Lando Norris was fastest on the first day, and his long run on the second afternoon caught the eye, with the British driver nearly a second faster than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc towards the end of the stint.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that the team’s running had gone to plan, which will be a significant boost to their confidence ahead of the new season. “The whole point was to get to this point of the season in the best place we possibly could,” Stella said.

In contrast, Red Bull’s Liam Lawson faced a more challenging test, with a spin on the first day and time lost in the garage due to an engine water pressure issue. While Max Verstappen endured a smoother time behind the wheel on the final day, Red Bull would have undoubtedly wanted a more trouble-free test for Lawson ahead of his full-time F1 debut.

Mercedes, meanwhile, enjoyed a promising test, with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell both impressing with their pace. The team’s relative ease in getting through the test programme without major issues will be a welcome relief after the challenges they faced in recent seasons.

Williams also emerged as one of the winners of the test, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon both demonstrating strong pace and consistency. Sainz’s fastest time on the second day was a highlight, and Albon’s third-place finish on the final day underscored the team’s potential.

On the other hand, Haas faced a more difficult test, with a bodywork failure and time lost in the garage for floor damage. Rookie driver Oliver Bearman was behind the wheel when both incidents occurred, which will have limited his valuable track time.

The Bahrain International Circuit itself also faced some challenges during the test, with three separate stoppages occurring due to circuit-related issues. A power outage on the first day, rain on the second, and a bizarre incident involving a bus on the final day all disrupted the proceedings.

As the teams now head back to their respective bases to analyze the data and fine-tune their cars ahead of the first Grand Prix, it is clear that some teams have emerged from the test with more confidence than others. However, with the complexities of F1 and the variables that can affect performance, it is still too early to make definitive predictions about the season ahead.