Will Formula One 2025 Pre Season Testing Set the Stage for an Exciting Racing Season?

Day 1. Testing

Unsurprisingly on day one of testing in Bahrain Lando Norris was the quickest. It was something I expected as I and many others believe that McLaren will be the team to beat in 2025 just like they were in the 2nd half of 2024 and the first day of testing seem to prove most of us right in our predictions. Norris's time of 1:30.430 was closely followed by some drivers that we are used to seeing at the top. The three teams behind which were Mercedes, red bull and Ferrari are too close to call.

George Russell +0.157

Max Verstappen +0.244

Charles Leclerc +0.448

After Charles there was someone many of us are used to seeing in the top but when he announced his departure from Ferrari to Williams many thought that would be the last we see of him. In the 2024 season Williams didn't get off to a great start but Carlos Sainz promised to bring back Williams. AS promised we see Carlos Sainz go 5th fastest on testing day one

Day 2. Testing

As he did on day one. Carlos Sainz exceed expectations for filling his promise to Williams by being the fastest of the day with his time of 1:29.348 which is also quicker than Norris's time yesterday and Sainz's time on hards was quicker than the Williams managed on soft's during qualifying in last years Bahrain GP showing the big steps Williams have made in improving their car. Sainz's time was very closely followed by the two Ferrari's

Lewis Hamilton +0.031

Charles Leclerc +0.083

Following the two Ferrari's was both Mercedes and then unexpectedly Lance Stroll. Stroll seems to have a reputation of making simple mistakes, in a car that many predict will be worse than last years AMR24 though nobody truly knows whether teams were showing the cars full potential on ay two, but on day two of testing he managed to come 6th fastest.

Day 3. Testing

On the final day of testing, George Russell achieved the fastest lap with an impressive time of 1:29.545, completing a total of 91 laps. He finished just 0.021 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, showcasing a close competition at the top. Meanwhile, Williams made significant strides, with Alex Albon securing the third-fastest time.