The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to ignite with the highly anticipated pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 26 to 28. This three-day event offers teams and drivers a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their cars and strategies ahead of the season opener in Australia on March 16.
When does F1 Pre-Season Testing start?
F1 2025 testing will take place between February 26 - February 28 with track action happening from 10am to 7pm local time (Bahrain)
Each day of testing is divided into two sessions:
Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM local time (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM CET)
Afternoon Session: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM local time (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM CET)
Where is F1 testing 2025 taking place?
F1 Testing occurs at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, as the Bahrain Grand Prix shifts from being the season opener to Round 4, scheduled for April 11-13.
This 5.412km track's long straights and varied corner speeds mimic regular season conditions, while Bahrain's consistent dry weather reduces rain disruptions. Built in 2002, it hosted its first Grand Prix in 2004, dominated by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. Sakhir is known for exciting races and is considered one of the best overtaking tracks in F1.
Where can I Watch F1 Pre Season Testing?
Fans worldwide have multiple options to catch the live action:
F1 TV: Formula 1's official streaming service, F1 TV Pro, offers live coverage of all testing sessions. Subscribers can access real-time footage, team radios, and expert commentary.
Youtube: Racing Statistics LIVE Watchalong
UK: Sky Sports
US: ESPN+
Italy: Sky Italia
Germany: Sky Deutschland
France: Canal+, Canal+ Sport
Spain: DAZN F1
Netherlands: Viaplay
Australia: Kayo, Foxtel
Canada: TSN+
Japan: Fuji TV
Watch F1 testing 2025 from anywhere with a VPN
If F1 testing isn't available to watch live in your area or if you're travelling, you can use a VPN to tune into the action from wherever you are. A VPN creates a secure connection to bypass geographical restrictions and access your favourite streaming services from anywhere.
F1 testing format
Since unlimited F1 testing was prohibited in 2009, pre-season track sessions have become strictly regulated, providing equal driving time and conditions for all teams and drivers.
Each team is allocated a total of 24 hours of testing over the three days in Bahrain, and they are permitted to run only one car at a time.
All 20 confirmed F1 drivers for the 2025 season will take part in the Bahrain testing. The two race drivers from each team will divide the available time, and some teams might choose to use a reserve or development driver instead of their main season participant.
Key Storylines to Follow
This year's pre-season testing is packed with intriguing developments:
Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Debut: After a monumental switch from Mercedes, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton will don the iconic red of Ferrari. Fans are eager to see how he adapts and collaborates with teammate Charles Leclerc.
Red Bull's New Era: With the departure of legendary designer Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing embarks on a new chapter. Observers will be keen to assess the performance of their latest contender under the guidance of a refreshed technical team.
Rookie Watch: The 2025 season introduces a talented rookie class, including Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes and Jack Doohan at Alpine. Pre-season testing will be pivotal for these newcomers to acclimate to the pinnacle of motorsport.
As engines roar back to life in Bahrain, the stage is set for an exhilarating season. Whether you're tuning in via F1 TV, YouTube, Sky Sports, ESPN+, DAZN, or joining the Racing Statistics watch-along, don't miss a moment of the action as teams unveil their 2025 challengers and drivers push the limits in preparation for a thrilling championship battle.
Who is gonna be testing in F1 in 2025?
Here are the teams and driver lineups for 2025:
McLaren:
Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri
Ferrari:
Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc
Red Bull:
Max Verstappen
Liam Lawson
Mercedes:
George Russell
Kimi Antonelli
Aston Martin:
Fernando Alonso
Lance Stroll
Alpine:
Pierre Gasly
Jack Doohan
Haas:
Esteban Ocon
Ollie Bearman
Racing Bulls:
Yuki Tsunoda
Isack Hadjar
Williams:
Alex Albon
Carlos Sainz
Sauber:
Nico Hulkenberg
Gabriel Bortoleto
Formula 1 2025 FAQ
When does the F1 Season Start?
The F1 2025 season starts with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on Sunday, March 16 2025. It’s the first of 24 thrilling rounds of action that awaits this year.
When does Pre Season Testing start?
Where can I watch F1 Live?
Who are the F1 2025 Rookies?
Read More:
Kommentare