The second day of the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit saw significant developments, with teams intensifying their preparations for the upcoming season. Lewis Hamilton, now representing Ferrari after his departure from Mercedes, showcased impressive performance by recording the fastest lap during the morning session. Hamilton completed 45 laps on a slightly damp Sakhir track, achieving a best time of 1:29.379. Ferrari’s chairman, John Elkann, was present to oversee the team’s progress, expressing optimism for a championship victory, a feat Ferrari hasn’t accomplished since 2008.
The afternoon session witnessed Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams after his tenure at Ferrari, setting the quickest time, narrowly edging out Hamilton by 0.031 seconds. Sainz’s performance indicates a promising start for Williams as they aim to climb the constructors’ standings this season.
Unexpected light rain introduced challenges, as only a few teams had prepared wet-weather tires. This unforeseen weather condition led to limited track activity during the damp periods, with teams like Haas and Aston Martin being among the few to continue running.
In the midst of these developments, Lando Norris of McLaren and reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull addressed media speculations about their on-track rivalry. Both drivers displayed camaraderie, laughing off any suggestions of lingering tensions from the previous season. Norris mentioned that the new McLaren car feels similar to last year’s championship-winning model, focusing on improving overall speed and load without major changes.
As teams continue to fine-tune their setups, the final day of testing will be crucial in providing insights into the competitive landscape for the season opener in Australia on March 16. Fans and analysts eagerly await to see how these developments will influence the dynamics of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
