Kimi Antonelli led off the inaugural 2025 Bahrain tests as the fastest driver, setting an early pace that suggests an intense season lies ahead. It was closely contested during this opening session – an indicator of an exciting 2019 campaign to come!
Stellar Performances with High Reliability
Formula 1 cars have become more reliable over recent years, and that trend continued in Bahrain. All teams logged significant mileage without major issues on track that day and showed the sport’s advanced engineering standards; Aston Martin took time out from driving duties for extensive setup revisions, however.
Close behind Antonelli, Red Bull’s Liam Lawson made his mark by finishing the session a narrow margin behind, despite a spin that caused a flat spot on his tyres. Nonetheless, he managed to complete his testing program without additional complications.
Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda also showcased their competitive spirit, finishing third and fourth respectively, closely tailing Antonelli’s leading time.
Team Strategies Unfolding
Williams and VCARB, having lagged in last season’s midfield clash, are approaching this year with varied strategies. Williams is directing its resources towards the upcoming 2026 regulations, while VCARB appears to be balancing between this season and future preparations. Despite differing approaches, both teams laid down promising performance foundations for newcomers Sainz and Hadjar in the afternoon sessions.
Predictable Outcomes for Ferrari and McLaren
Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari completed 70 laps, showing significant strides forward while acknowledging there’s still room for adaptation and enhancement. Haas rookie pairing of Jack Doohan and Oliver Bearman focused their strategies around extended run simulations to overcome previous season challenges.
Oscar Piastri focused his session adjusting to his MCL39 vehicle, showing promising compatibility during his runs. This afternoon’s testing will provide additional insights into competitive landscape of teams.