F1 2025 testing in Bahrain: pre-season test dates and schedule

The pre-season tests of the F1 2025 are fast approaching and will take place on the Sakhir circuit.in Bahrain, from February 26 to 28. This is a crucial time for all the teams, as drivers and engineers prepare for another exciting season.

Winter testing 2025

Pre-season testing is always eagerly anticipated, and this year the excitement is at its peak with Lewis Hamilton's first ever spin in the Ferrari colors. The seven-time world champion will be making his debut with Scuderia Ferrari after a spell with the team. an announcement that shook the F1 world. The Maranello team will present its new car on February 19before heading to Bahrain for the pre-season test the following week.

These tests are particularly important for the teams, because they only have one opportunity to test their new cars before the season starts. The Sakhir circuit, with its favorable climatic conditions, was chosen for its reliability in terms of weather, unlike Barcelona, which is often subject to climatic hazards. What's more, its demanding layout in terms of tires makes it an excellent testing ground for evaluating new car configurations.

Bahrain test schedule

Testing begins on Wednesday February 26 and continues until Friday February 28. Each day will be divided into two four-hour sessions: one in the morning from 08:00 to 12:00 (Italian time) and one in the afternoon from 13:00 to 17:00. During these three days, each team will have a single car on track, and a maximum of ten drivers will be able to run at the same time, offering 12 hours of practice for each driver.

Here is the detailed schedule for the 2025 pre-season tests:

• Wednesday, February 26 :
  • 08h00 - 12h00: Morning session
  • 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Afternoon session
• Thursday, February 27 :
  • 08h00 - 12h00: Morning session
  • 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Afternoon session
• Friday, February 28 :
  • 08h00 - 12h00: Morning session
  • 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Afternoon session

Why Bahrain?

Bahrain has become a must for pre-season testing due to its ideal conditions. The Sakhir circuit offers an excellent combination of warm temperatures and varied scenery, enabling teams to maximize their preparation before the start of the season. In addition to its favorable climate, the circuit is renowned for testing tire management, a key factor in the performance of modern cars.

Although the F1 season kicks off this year in Australia on March 14, 2025, a return to the traditional Australian Grand Prix after several years of alternation, the first major tests of the season will take place in Bahrain.

The wait for Ferrari and Hamilton

This test will be of particular significance for Ferrari, as all eyes will be on Lewis Hamilton, who will make his first public appearance under the Scuderia banner with the new F1 2025. After years with Mercedes, the British driver is starting a new chapter in his career with the Italian team, and these first tests will be crucial in assessing his ability to adapt to the Ferrari.