The long winter break ends tomorrow, as F1 pre-season testing kicks off in Bahrain. Teams will only have a few days to prepare their 2025 challengers for the anticipated season opener in Australia on March 16.
What is pre-season testing
Formula 1 pre-season testing is a chance for all Formula 1 teams to run their 2025 challenger before the season begins. It allows teams, drivers, and fans to see if the developments made in the off-season have proved fruitful.
Testing time in Formula 1 is very limited and, therefore, is vital for all teams and drivers as they evaluate their brand-new 2025 cars under real-world conditions
During the tests, teams assess their car’s reliability and performance, validate aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades made over the winter and identify any early issues before the season begins.
With just 24 hours of total track time available across the three days, teams must make the most of every second. Vital and valuable information is found during testing, with teams running programmes to understand car performance before F1 heads to the season opener in Australia.
Where is pre-season testing held?
The 2025 pre-season test will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. This venue has been the preferred testing ground in recent years due to its warm climate and representative track conditions, which provide valuable data ahead of the first race.
The first race has also been held in Bahrain in previous years. However, due to calendar changes, Melbourne will take this accolade for the first time since 2019. Sakhir will instead host round four in April.
When is testing?
Testing will run from 7 AM until 4 PM each day from February 26 to February 28. The days are split into a morning and afternoon session and an hour’s break for lunch. Each session is 4 hours long, for the teams to run their cars and complete any run plans set.
Timings
F1 testing (UK time)
February 26: 7 am-4 pm
February 27: 7 am-4 pm
February 28: 7 am-4 pm
F1 testing (Bahrain time)
February 26: 10 am-7 pm
February 27: 10 am-7 pm
February 28: 10 am-7 pm
F1 Testing (Australia time)
February 26: 6 pm- 3 am
February 27: 6 pm- 3 am
February 28: 6 pm-3 am
Where to Watch F1 Testing
F1 fans can follow all the action live through various broadcasters worldwide:
- UK: Sky Sports F1
- Italy: Sky Italia
- Germany: Sky Deutschland
- Netherlands: Viaplay
- France: Canal+
- USA: ESPN+
- Australia: Foxtel
- Global: F1 TV Pro
Additionally, F1 Teams and official social media accounts will be providing live updates of all the on-track action. End-of-day highlights and analysis will appear on the official F1’s social media platforms.
Who is partaking in testing?
All 20 Formula 1 drivers for 2025 will be present during testing. The time is often divided equally amongst the driver pairing. This is due to the FIA’s strict testing rules, which state only one car per team can be on track at a time during testing sessions.
For the six new rookies on the F1 grid, this will be an invaluable experience for them going into the season opener in Australia, with some running of the current machinery under their belt.
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
