F1 UNFORSEEN: Why Oscar Piastri and F1 newbie are real winners..

Oscar Piastri and F1 Newbie Jack Doohan Emerge as Early Winners in Bahrain Testing

Oscar Piastri and fellow Australian Jack Doohan may not have posted the most impressive times on the first day of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, but they are already emerging as real winners at the start of the 2025 season. As teams gear up for the new campaign, testing is proving to be a crucial period of preparation, and both drivers, despite early challenges, are positioned to make the most of it.

The first day of testing saw McLaren’s Lando Norris leading the field with the fastest time across the two sessions, reinforcing McLaren’s ambition to defend their constructors’ championship. However, his teammate Oscar Piastri found the going a bit tougher, finishing 17th. Despite his struggles, Piastri’s outlook remains positive, and there are reasons to believe that he and Alpine rookie Jack Doohan are set to be strong contenders in 2025.

A Promising Start for McLaren

McLaren, fresh off winning the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, has high hopes for the new season. Both Norris and Piastri are expected to challenge Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s drivers for the title, with many pundits predicting an open fight for the 2025 crown. Though Piastri’s times were not as fast as his teammate’s, the Australian remains focused on improvement, using the testing sessions to tweak the car and optimize its performance.

Piastri acknowledged that the first day wasn’t without challenges, but he was quick to point out that this is what pre-season testing is for—figuring out the car’s best configuration. “It’s been a little bit tricky,” Piastri told Sky Sports F1. “The car feels pretty good, but we’re trying to get it into a better window and try out a bunch of things.”

Doohan Prepares for His First Full Season

While Piastri may be a year into his F1 journey, fellow Australian Jack Doohan is preparing for his debut season with Alpine. The 22-year-old, one of four rookies on the 2025 grid, has his sights set on making an impact right from the start. Though the first day of testing was tough for both Doohan and Piastri, the two Aussies are positioned to be among the most fortunate drivers on the grid, thanks to the upcoming season opener in their home country.

The first race of the 2025 season will take place at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, giving Piastri and Doohan the home advantage. For both drivers, the excitement of racing in front of their home crowd could provide an early confidence boost. Additionally, their “summer break,” courtesy of Australia’s seasonal schedule, allowed them to recharge more effectively than their European counterparts, who spent their time off in colder conditions.

Testing Challenges and Positive Outlook

Despite some difficulties, Piastri remained upbeat, particularly given that testing is taking place in Bahrain instead of Europe, where conditions could be harsher. “It’s still better than Europe,” Piastri said when asked about the cooler-than-expected weather. “But it’s a lot colder than we expected. When we come back in April, it will be a different story.”

Though the conditions in Bahrain have been cooler and wetter than usual, it hasn’t dampened the spirits of the drivers or teams. While many expected typical Middle Eastern heat, they’ve been met with rain and chilly winds, leading to an unusual sight of F1 drivers clad in puffer jackets rather than t-shirts.

Looking Forward to 2025

Both Piastri and Doohan are focused on making the most of their opportunities in 2025. For Piastri, his sophomore season will be a chance to build on his experience and aim for regular podium finishes. For Doohan, it’s all about proving himself in his rookie year and capitalizing on the backing of Alpine. With both drivers looking forward to the Australian Grand Prix, their home advantage could provide the perfect platform for a strong start to the season.

In the world of Formula 1, pre-season testing is just the beginning, and while results from these sessions may not always tell the full story, Piastri and Doohan are certainly showing that they have the mindset and talent to compete at the highest level in 2025.

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Hugo Harvey

Hugo Harvey is a distinguished journalist, blogger, and publisher with a dynamic career that spans multiple areas of interest, from sports to entertainment. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Hugo has developed a reputation for delivering insightful and engaging content to his audience. His diverse interests make him a versatile writer, able to cover a wide range of topics with depth and clarity.

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