In a surprising turn of events during the morning session of the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, 18-year-old Italian driver Kimi Antonelli set the fastest lap time, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Antonelli, who recently replaced the legendary Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, clocked a time of 1:31.428 seconds, showcasing both his potential and the performance capabilities of the new Mercedes car.
Trailing closely behind was Red Bull’s new recruit, Liam Lawson, who finished just 0.132 seconds adrift of Antonelli. Lawson’s session was not without drama; he experienced a significant spin that nearly resulted in a collision with the barriers, underscoring the challenges drivers face as they adapt to their new machinery and push the limits during testing.
Williams’ Alex Albon secured the third-fastest time, a mere 0.145 seconds off the leading pace, indicating a potentially competitive season ahead for the team. Yuki Tsunoda, driving for the newly branded VCARB team, and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, with Hamilton’s best effort placing him 0.406 seconds behind his Mercedes successor.
The complete standings for the morning session were as follows:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:31.428
- Liam Lawson (Red Bull) – +0.132s
- Alex Albon (Williams) – +0.145s
- Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB) – +0.182s
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.406s
- Jack Doohan (Alpine) – +0.413s
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +0.446s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.656s
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) – +0.741s
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) – +4.094s
It’s important to note that pre-season testing times are not always indicative of actual race performance, as teams often run different programs, fuel loads, and setups. However, Antonelli’s impressive debut at the top of the timesheets has certainly generated buzz and heightened anticipation for the upcoming season. As testing continues over the next two days, teams will further fine-tune their cars, providing a clearer picture of the competitive landscape heading into the first race of the season.
For fans eager to follow the action, live coverage of the pre-season testing sessions is available on various broadcasting platforms, with schedules varying by region. This offers enthusiasts worldwide the opportunity to witness firsthand the developments and performances as teams prepare for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
