F1 Live: Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton on track as Bahrain test gets…read more
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton on track as Bahrain test gets…read more
The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing has commenced at Bahrain’s Sakhir International Circuit, marking a significant moment as Lewis Hamilton takes to the track in Ferrari’s SF-25. This three-day testing period, running from February 26 to 28, is the sole opportunity for teams to evaluate their vehicles on-track before the season’s inaugural race in Australia on March 16.
Testing Schedule and Sessions
Each day of testing is divided into two sessions: a morning stint from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by an hour-long lunch break, and then an afternoon session from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., concluding under the circuit’s floodlights. This schedule allows teams to gather data under varying track and temperature conditions, which is crucial for performance assessments.
Lewis Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most talked-about changes this season. The seven-time world champion, who spent 12 years with Mercedes, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Scuderia. In a light-hearted moment, Hamilton joked about his love for Italian cuisine, particularly pizza, and how it might affect his fit in the new car. Despite indulging in local delicacies, he mentioned having lost weight and emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness to handle the physical demands of F1 racing.
Pre-Season Testing Objectives
Pre-season testing serves as a critical phase for all teams. It’s an opportunity to push the new cars to their limits, gather essential data, and identify any potential issues before the competitive season begins. With private testing heavily restricted, these sessions are invaluable for engineers and drivers to understand the car’s behavior and make necessary adjustments. Teams often employ various strategies during testing, including ‘sandbagging,’ where they might conceal the car’s true performance to avoid revealing their capabilities to competitors.
Notable Driver Movements and Team Line-ups
The 2025 season has seen significant shifts in team line-ups. Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is complemented by Kimi Antonelli stepping into his former seat at Mercedes. Red Bull has introduced Liam Lawson as their new driver, while rookies like Jack Doohan and Ollie Bearman are making their debut with their respective teams. These changes suggest a dynamic season ahead, with experienced drivers bringing fresh perspectives to their new teams and newcomers eager to make their mark.
Early Observations from Day One
On the first day of testing, drivers focused on system checks and data collection rather than outright speed. Liam Lawson recorded the fastest time in the morning session with a lap of 1 minute 32.036 seconds. For context, the pole position time at the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix was 1 minute 29.179 seconds, indicating that teams are still in the early stages of unlocking their cars’ full potential.
Fan Enthusiasm and Support
Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari has ignited excitement among fans, especially the Tifosi, Ferrari’s passionate supporters. In a humorous incident, a dedicated fan reportedly cut down a tree to get an unobstructed view of Hamilton during a private test session at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit. This act underscores the fervent support and high expectations surrounding Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari.
Looking Ahead
As testing progresses, teams will continue to fine-tune their cars, aiming to address any issues and optimize performance before the season opener in Melbourne. The data gathered during these sessions will be pivotal in shaping strategies and making technical adjustments. Fans and analysts alike are keenly observing these developments, eager to see how the season unfolds, especially with the high-profile changes and emerging talents on the grid.
In summary, the 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain is not just a prelude to the racing calendar but a critical period where teams and drivers lay the groundwork for the challenges ahead. With significant driver movements, technical evaluations, and enthusiastic fan support, the stage is set for a thrilling Formula 1 season.
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