The final day of Formula 1 preseason testing in Bahrain concluded today, , leaving teams with a wealth of data and a rapidly approaching race calendar. While the pursuit of outright speed continues, the focus is now shifting towards refining setups and ensuring reliability ahead of the season opener in Australia.
Mercedes concluded the week strongly, with Kimi Antonelli topping the afternoon session, taking over from George Russell. Russell had earlier set a competitive pace, demonstrating the potential of the Silver Arrows’ 2026 challenger. The team appears to have navigated the initial stages of the new powertrain formula effectively, logging significant mileage throughout the two weeks of testing at both the Bahrain International Circuit and previously in Barcelona.
The testing regime has been largely productive across the grid, with McLaren and Williams also exceeding the 1000km mark. Ferrari also demonstrated strong endurance, completing 421 laps around the Sakhir venue. This emphasis on reliability is crucial as teams adapt to the complexities of the new energy deployment systems introduced with the 2026 power units – a change that has elicited mixed reactions from drivers.
Today marked the completion of testing for several key drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Alexander Albon, Liam Lawson and Arthur Leclerc. These drivers completed full programs today, handing over to their teammates for the final day of running. The extensive testing schedule allows each driver to contribute to the development process and provide valuable feedback to their respective engineering teams.
The question now turns to whether any team will attempt a “glory run” on the final day to establish a psychological advantage before the competitive season begins. While such a move is unlikely, the possibility remains that a team might choose to showcase their pace and unsettle their rivals. However, the prevailing strategy is expected to be continued refinement and data gathering, rather than a pursuit of headline-grabbing lap times.
Looking ahead, the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled from to , will serve as the official start of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Free Practice 1 and 2 will take place on , followed by Free Practice 3 and Qualifying on . The 58-lap Australian Grand Prix will then be held on .
The Melbourne Grand Prix circuit, first hosting a race in 1996 (though the Australian Grand Prix was initially held in Adelaide in 1985), presents a unique challenge for drivers and teams. The track length is 5.278km, and the current lap record stands at 1m 19.813s, set by Charles Leclerc in 2024. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most pole positions at the Australian Grand Prix with eight, while Michael Schumacher boasts the most wins with four.
Historically, the Australian Grand Prix has been prone to incidents, with almost a third of the field retiring on the first lap in 2002 following a multi-car collision triggered by Ralf Schumacher. The braking point for Turn 1 is a significant 271 meters, and overtaking opportunities are plentiful, with 35 overtakes completed during the 2024 race. The probability of a Safety Car intervention is estimated at 50%, while a Virtual Safety Car is likely to be deployed in 67% of races. A pit stop currently results in an approximate time loss of 19.3 seconds, including 2.5 seconds stationary in the pit lane.
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer emphasizes the circuit’s appeal for drivers, noting its rhythm and atmospheric qualities. He highlights the improvements made in 2022, which have increased average speeds, and the addition of a fourth DRS zone, further enhancing overtaking opportunities. The removal of the chicane at Turns 9 and 10 has also contributed to a faster and more flowing track layout.
As teams prepare for the journey to Australia, the data collected during these intensive testing sessions will be invaluable. The focus will be on translating the performance gains observed in Bahrain into competitive advantage on the track. The Australian Grand Prix promises to be an exciting start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, with fans eagerly anticipating the first glimpse of the cars in race conditions.
