2025 F1 Testing - What We Learned!

Formula 1 testing for the 2025 season has concluded, providing crucial insights into team performances, technical developments, and potential challenges ahead. Over three days in Bahrain, engineers, analysts, and fans observed teams fine-tuning their machines before the first race. Here’s what we learned from the testing sessions.

1. Red Bull’s Uncharacteristic Struggles

Red Bull, the dominant force in recent years, faced unexpected difficulties. Despite Max Verstappen posting the second-fastest lap on the final day, the team encountered significant challenges:

• A water leak on Thursday disrupted Liam Lawson’s full testing day.

• Persistent understeer, leading to exit oversteer, remained an issue from the 2024 season.

• Multiple floor and wing adjustments were tested, indicating uncertainty in the car’s setup.

• The team admitted that their testing progress was not as smooth as expected.

2. McLaren’s Rise to the Top

McLaren emerged as the strongest contender in testing. Notable highlights include:

• Oscar Piastri outpaced George Russell’s Mercedes by an average of 0.5 seconds per lap in a race simulation.

• The car demonstrated strong consistency across different tire stints.

• Some concerns about rear instability remain, particularly on long runs.

• McLaren’s rear wing flexing attracted attention, possibly leading to further FIA scrutiny.

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3. Mercedes vs. Ferrari: A Close Battle

The competition between Mercedes and Ferrari was fierce, with both teams showing promising performance:

• Ferrari had better straight-line speed and strong corner exits.

• Mercedes excelled in high-speed corners but showed susceptibility to lock-ups.

• Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, looked comfortable in his new car, matching the pace of Charles Leclerc and George Russell.

• Despite a competitive showing, neither team looked faster than McLaren.

4. The Most Improved Team: Williams

Williams showcased the biggest leap in performance, despite not being the outright fastest:

• Carlos Sainz topped the overall lap time charts.

• The FW47 demonstrated consistent pace throughout testing, placing Williams ahead of some midfield rivals.

• The car looked responsive and well-balanced, a promising sign for the season ahead.

5. Midfield Observations in the 2025 F1 Testing

Several midfield teams showed mixed results:

• Sauber: Still struggling at the back of the grid, showing a car that looked stiff and difficult to drive.

• Aston Martin: Despite stability improvements, the car lacked raw speed, with Fernando Alonso stating that it felt similar to the underwhelming 2024 version.

• Haas: Encountered repeated bodywork detachment issues, leading to concerns about durability.

• Alpine: Consistently quick throughout testing, emerging as a strong midfield contender alongside Williams.

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6. Technical Controversies and Innovations

As always, F1 testing saw the emergence of potential technical disputes:

• Mini DRS Debate: McLaren and Ferrari appear to have experimented with aerodynamic flexing that could be deemed illegal by the FIA.

• Weight Reduction Strategies: Some teams struggled with side pod and bodywork modifications aimed at reducing weight, leading to structural issues.

• Testing Limitations for Rookies: Limited preseason testing has once again sparked debates, with some drivers facing steep learning curves due to restricted mileage.

Here are the Results of 2025 F1 Testing combined for all 3 days:

Conclusion

Testing results suggest McLaren is the team to beat heading into the 2025 season, with Red Bull facing uncharacteristic challenges. Ferrari and Mercedes remain closely matched, while Williams appears to have made significant progress. With technical controversies already emerging, the first race of the season promises intense competition and potential regulatory debates. As the teams head to the season opener, fans can expect a tightly contested championship battle.

Which race are you looking forward to?

Check the F1 2025 Calendar