The final day of the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit concluded with Mercedes and Red Bull showcasing impressive performances, while Ferrari also demonstrated competitive pace. George Russell of Mercedes topped the timesheets, clocking a fastest lap of 1:29.545, narrowly edging out reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull by just 0.021 seconds.
Williams’ Alex Albon delivered a noteworthy performance, securing the third-fastest time with a lap of 1:29.650 and completing a remarkable 137 laps—the highest of any driver on the day. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri also impressed, posting a time of 1:29.940 to place fourth, underscoring McLaren’s strategic approach to testing.
Ferrari’s new recruit, Lewis Hamilton, expressed satisfaction with the SF25’s performance, despite external criticism. He noted that such feedback serves as motivation to work harder. Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, led the morning session with a time of 1:30.811, highlighting Ferrari’s potential competitiveness this season.
The day’s testing faced interruptions, including a red flag caused by a bus entering the track unexpectedly, forcing drivers to return to the pits. This incident marked the fourth red flag of the day, following earlier disruptions due to shattered glass on the pit straight and a quad bike on the track.
Carlos Sainz of Williams criticized the limited pre-season testing, suggesting that teams should be allowed to exchange simulator time for more on-track testing within the budget cap. Sainz argued that real track time is crucial for preparation, especially for rookies, as it allows for better setup understanding and performance extraction.
As teams analyze the data gathered over the three-day testing period, they aim to fine-tune their setups ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. The performances in Bahrain have set the stage for an exciting and competitive 2025 Formula 1 season.
