F1 testing 2025: Dates, times and how to watch LIVE
The countdown to the 2025 Formula 1 season is almost over, and the excitement is building. Before the green light is given for the first race, all 20 drivers will gather in Bahrain for three days of pre-season testing, taking place from February 26-28. This crucial testing period will give teams a chance to fine-tune their cars and drivers a chance to get accustomed to the track.
Once the testing is complete, the focus will shift to the 24-race season, where drivers will be vying for the top spot on the podium and the coveted world title, currently held by Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, McLaren and Ferrari are expected to engage in a fierce battle for the constructors’ championship title, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming season.
While the upcoming three-day testing session will provide a glimpse into the performance of the 10 Formula 1 teams, it’s the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16 that will truly reveal their pace. Until then, the testing period will offer a sneak peek into the teams’ capabilities, with all 10 teams taking to the track for the first time in 2025.
Although the testing timesheets won’t necessarily predict the outcome of the season, they will likely give us an indication of which teams are looking strong and which ones still have work to do.
When is F1 testing in 2025? Full Schedule and times
From February 26-28 inclusive, the annual pre-season testing puts F1 cars properly through their paces, finally revealing the truth about those off-season whispers.
We have three days of testing, with two four-hour sessions running each day.
Here are the key dates and start times:
Wednesday February 26: 10am – 7pm (local time), 7am – 4pm (GMT), 8am – 5pm (CET), 2am – 11am (EST), Tue 11pm – Wed 8am (PST)
Thursday February 27: 10am – 7pm (local time), 7am – 4pm (GMT), 8am – 5pm (CET), 2am – 11am (EST), Wed 11pm – Thu 8am (PST)
Friday February 28: 10am – 7pm (local time), 7am – 4pm (GMT), 8am – 5pm (CET), 2am – 11am (EST), Thu 11pm – Fri 8am (PST)
How to watch F1 testing: TV channel & live stream
Fans are expected to get a sneak peek at the new cars and drivers during pre-season testing live on these channels:
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
F1 TV Pro subscribers can also tune in for pre-season testing in select regions.
Where is F1 testing in 2025?
Testing takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, with the Bahrain Grand Prix moving from F1’s season opener to Round 4 from April 11-13.
The 5.412km track, which opened in 2004, features a mix of long straights and tight corners, allowing teams to test different aspects of their new cars.
How does F1 testing work and what are the rules?
While there are no rules per se, pre-season testing provides teams with valuable insights into the performance and reliability of their cars. It allows them to collect essential data on aerodynamics, tyre wear, engine performance, and overall handling.
This data is then analysed and used to make critical adjustments and improvements before the start of the season.
With each team striving to gain a competitive edge, pre-season testing plays a pivotal role in determining which teams will have the upper hand when the lights go out on race day in Australia.
Who is testing in F1 in 2025?
Testing in Bahrain gives fans the first opportunity to see the new cars and their drivers in action on a racetrack this year.
Here are the teams and driver lineups for 2025 (car numbers in brackets):
McLaren: Lando Norris (4), Oscar Piastri (81)
Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton (44), Charles Leclerc (16)
Red Bull: Max Verstappen (1), Liam Lawson (30)
Mercedes: George Russell (63), Kimi Antonelli (12)
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso (14), Lance Stroll(18)
Alpine: Pierre Gasly (10), Jack Doohan (7)
Haas: Esteban Ocon (31), Ollie Bearman (87)
Racing Bulls: Yuki Tsunoda (22), Isack Hadjar (6)
Williams: Alex Albon (23), Carlos Sainz (55)
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg (27), Gabriel Bortoleto (5)
Who are the new F1 drivers in 2025?
The grid will undergo a major shift in 2025 with several new faces joining F1 for the upcoming season.
Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, whilst Liam Lawson has finally earned a full-time race seat with Red Bull for 2025.
The 2024 Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto has also acquired a drive in F1, and will partner Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber in their all new lineup.
Ollie Bearman will compete full-time for Haas alongside new recruit Esteban Ocon, whilst Jack Doohan completes Alpine’s driver pairing following the Frenchman’s exit.
Finally, Isack Hadjar will replace Lawson at Racing Bulls, and accompany Yuki Tsunoda for the 2025 season at Red Bull’s sister team.
When will F1 teams unveil their 2025 liveries?
All 10 F1 teams unveiled their 2025 liveries during F1’s live launch event at the O2 arena in London, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the sport.
F1 testing FAQ
What date is F1 2025?
The 24-race F1 calendar for 2025 starts with the Australian Grand Prix from March 14 to 16.
Are 2025 F1 tickets available?
Good news! Tickets are NOW on sale for some of the 2025 grands prix, and there is a wide range of ticket options to suit your wallet!
From the ultimate VIP experience to grandstand seats with stunning track views, there is something for everyone. But if you’re a die-hard fan on a budget, general admission is your ticket to the action.
