Leclerc Sets the Benchmark on Final Morning of Bahrain Pre…..read more 

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc showcased his speed on the final morning of Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, setting the fastest time as teams wrapped up their preparations ahead of the 2025 season. The Monegasque driver led the way in the morning session at the Bahrain International Circuit, signaling Ferrari’s intent for the upcoming campaign.

Following two days of challenging conditions, which included strong winds, unusually cool temperatures, and even sporadic rain in the Sakhir desert, Friday morning brought improved weather. The dry track and milder temperatures provided teams with ideal conditions to fine-tune their setups, complete race simulations, and finalize data collection before the first Grand Prix of the season.

Leclerc Shines in Optimized Conditions

With track conditions at their best since testing began, Leclerc capitalized on the opportunity to push his Ferrari to the limit. His lap time placed him at the top of the timesheets, offering a glimpse into the team’s potential ahead of the season opener in Bahrain. However, with testing times often not fully representative due to varying fuel loads and engine settings, teams remain cautious about reading too much into the results.

While Leclerc’s performance grabbed headlines, other teams were also focused on their own programs, conducting long runs, gathering tire degradation data, and testing different aerodynamic configurations. Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin all appeared to be in strong form as they completed their final laps before the season officially kicks off.

Williams and Red Bull Complete Driver Swaps

Two drivers who had already concluded their pre-season running were Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Liam Lawson. Both drivers had participated in the entirety of Thursday’s sessions before stepping aside for their teammates on Friday. This allowed teams to give other drivers time in the car and finalize their testing objectives.

Sainz, who made the switch to Williams after departing Ferrari, has been under close watch as he adapts to his new surroundings. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s decision to give Lawson extensive running suggests they are keen on evaluating the young talent’s performance for future opportunities.

Unexpected Driver Change at Aston Martin

An unplanned driver change at Aston Martin saw two-time world champion Fernando Alonso take to the track in the morning instead of the afternoon. Originally scheduled to run later in the day, Alonso stepped in early as his teammate, Lance Stroll, was not feeling “100%” when he woke up. The team made a precautionary call to adjust their schedule, ensuring both drivers were in optimal condition heading into the season.

Despite the last-minute reshuffle, Aston Martin continued their testing program without major disruptions, gathering valuable data for the upcoming races. Alonso’s experience and ability to extract performance from the car make him a key asset for the team as they aim to challenge the frontrunners in 2025.

Drama at Haas as Bearman Loses Bodywork

The session was briefly interrupted when Haas rookie Ollie Bearman encountered a concerning moment on track. Around an hour and a half into the session, a piece of bodywork detached from his car, leading to yellow flags as marshals rushed to clear the debris. The issue forced Bearman to return to the pits at a slow pace, temporarily halting his progress.

Haas quickly downplayed the incident, stating that the problem was minor and had been swiftly resolved. After repairs, Bearman was able to rejoin the session and complete additional laps, gaining crucial experience ahead of his upcoming races, particularly as he prepares for the Australian Grand Prix.

Final Preparations Before the Season Opener

With the pre-season testing period coming to an end, teams are now shifting their focus to the first race of the season in Bahrain. The data gathered over the three days will be instrumental in fine-tuning strategies, improving car setups, and addressing any last-minute concerns before the competitive action begins.

While Ferrari and Leclerc ended the morning on a high, the true pecking order will only become clear when the lights go out for the first Grand Prix. Until then, speculation will continue about which team has gained the upper hand heading into the 2025 season.