FORMULA 1 PRE-SEASON TESTING: Winners and Losers EMERGE After Bahrain Session….

FORMULA 1 PRE-SEASON TESTING: WINNERS AND LOSERS EMERGE AFTER BAHRAIN SESSION

The highly anticipated Formula 1 pre-season testing session in Bahrain has concluded, providing valuable insights into the relative strengths and weaknesses of each team. With three days of intense on-track action, the paddock is now abuzz with speculation and analysis. In this article, we will examine the winners and losers from the Bahrain test, and assess the prospects of each team ahead of the new season.

McLaren emerged as one of the top performers in Bahrain, with their MCL39 car demonstrating impressive pace and consistency. Despite some rear-end instability issues, Lando Norris was pleased with the car’s overall performance, and the team’s long-run pace was arguably the best in the field.

Ferrari, with the high-profile addition of Lewis Hamilton to their driver lineup, also showed promising signs in Bahrain. While they may not have been the fastest team outright, their long-run pace was solid, albeit with some concerns over tire degradation. A reliability issue on the final day, which curtailed Hamilton’s running, was a minor setback, but Ferrari remains a top-four contender.

Red Bull, the reigning champions, faced a challenging test, with limited running due to technical issues. Despite this, their pace, particularly over long runs, was encouraging, and they appear to be second only to McLaren in terms of outright speed. The team’s atmosphere in the garage was upbeat, suggesting that they are confident in their prospects for the season ahead.

As the teams now head to Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the stage is set for a thrilling and closely contested championship. With McLaren and Red Bull appearing to be the teams to beat, Ferrari and other challengers will need to be at the top of their game to keep pace. The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.