As pre-season tests continue, the anticipation of the Formula One 2025 season grows. Lando norris set the pace for McLaren on day one, even though a power cut in the afternoon affected the Bahrain International Circuit.
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain International Circuit is still the exclusive host of pre-season Formula 1 tests, even though the Australian Grand Prix in 2025 (March 14-16) will be closer. The Bahrain International Circuit allows the teams to test their equipment in optimal conditions prior to racing.
The 2025 F1 pre-season testing dates are important.
This crucial testing period lasts for three days. It begins February 26th, and concludes February 28th. This limited time on the track is being used by teams to get critical data, and improve their vehicles.
The daily format is designed to improve performance evaluation.
Early Morning Session
Local Time: 10:00 – 14:00
London: 07:00 – 11:00
Los Angeles: 23:00 (-1 day) – 03:00
New York: 02:00 – 06:00
Imola: 08:00 – 12:00
Tokyo: 16:00 – 20:00
Shanghai: 15:00 – 19:00
Press Conference
Local Time: 14:05 – 14:55
London: 11:05 – 11:55
Los Angeles: 03:05 – 03:55
New York: 06:05 – 06:55
Imola: 12:05 – 12:55
Tokyo: 20:05 – 20:55
Shanghai: 19:05 – 19:55
The afternoon session is a great way to get a little exercise.
Local Time: 15:00 – 19:00
London: 12:00 – 16:00
Los Angeles: 04:00 – 08:00
New York: 07:00 – 11:00
Imola: 13:00 – 17:00
Tokyo: 21:00 – 01:00 (+1day)
Shanghai: 20:00 – 00:00
Watching the Test Action: Broadcast details
ESPN+ offers full coverage to fans who want to watch the pre-season test in 2025. FuboTV, the F1 TV platform and other streaming services are available as additional viewing options.
Sky Sports F1 broadcasts all the sessions live in the UK. NowTV provides a good streaming option, so fans won’t have to miss anything.
Day 2: Driver Line-up by Session
Morning Session drivers
- McLaren – Oscar Piastri
- Ferrari – TBC (To Be Confirmed)
- Red Bull – Liam Lawson
- Mercedes – George Russell
- Aston Martin – Fernando Alonso
- Alpine – Pierre Gasly
- Haas – Esteban Ocon
- Racing Bulls – Yuki Tsunoda
- Williams – Carlos Sainz
- Sauber – Nico Hulkenberg
Evening Session Drivers
- McLaren – Lando Norris
- Ferrari – TBC (To Be Confirmed)
- Red Bull – Liam Lawson
- Mercedes – Andrea Kimi Antonelli
- Aston Martin – Lance Stroll
- Alpine – Jack Doohan
- Haas – Oliver Bearman
- Racing Bulls – Isack Hadjar
- Williams – Carlos Sainz
- Sauber – Gabriel Bortoleto
The results of Day 1, 2025 pre-season testing timesheet
Day 1’s leaderboard was a good indication of what could be achieved. While it is true that the testing time may not have much significance due to different team strategies or car configurations, there were some interesting results. Lando norris of McLaren was first, then George Russell and Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing.
This is a complete look at all the times of the drivers from the first race day.
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- George Russell Mercedes
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Carlos Sainz, Williams
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
- Liam Lawson and Red Bull
- Alex Albon Williams
- Yuki Tsunoda, Racing Bulls
- Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls
- Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
- Lewis Hamilton Ferrari
- Jack Doohan, Alpine
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
- Lance Stroll Aston Martin
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
- Esteban Ocon, Haas
- Oliver Bearman, Haas
Look Ahead to the 2025 Formula 1 Calendar
It is the Australian Grand Prix scheduled on 14-16th March that will mark the official start of 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. The Formula 1 circus then heads straight to China on March 21-23 for the Chinese Grand Prix. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the record-breaking season. It will be held on December 5th-7th. F1 enthusiasts are anxiously waiting for information on the performance of cars, driver combinations and strategies which will determine the F1 landscape of 2025.