F1 Testing Results Today: Hamilton lands HUGE Ferrari blow after driver…readmore
The final day of the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit concluded with George Russell of Mercedes securing the fastest lap time, underscoring the team’s formidable performance ahead of the season opener.
Top Performers:
George Russell (Mercedes): Achieved the quickest lap of the day with a time of 1:29.545 seconds, completing 91 laps.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull): Finished just 0.021 seconds behind Russell, demonstrating Red Bull’s competitive edge.
Alex Albon (Williams): Secured third place, highlighting Williams’ progress during testing.
Oscar Piastri (McLaren): Took fourth position, indicating McLaren’s strong testing performance.
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): Placed sixth, 0.800 seconds behind Russell, marking a solid start to his tenure with Ferrari.
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has been a focal point of the testing sessions. Despite initial challenges, including a power cut affecting his first day with Ferrari, Hamilton has expressed satisfaction with the SF-25 car’s handling, noting it as a significant improvement over his previous Mercedes. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the new car’s control systems and settings, aiming for a successful start to the season in Australia.
In contrast, McLaren’s Lando Norris showcased impressive pace during testing, with some analysts suggesting that McLaren could outperform Red Bull this season. Hamilton acknowledged McLaren’s strong performance, noting that their race pace during testing was particularly noteworthy.
The testing sessions were not without disruptions. A random bus drove onto the track at Turn 10, causing a red flag and forcing all cars, including Hamilton’s, to return to the garage. Earlier, shattered glass on the pit straight had caused the first red flag, necessitating a lengthy cleanup process. Additionally, a quad bike on the track and a planned safety car procedure test led to further interruptions.
As the teams prepare for the season opener in Australia on March 16, the pre-season testing has provided valuable insights into each team’s performance and areas for improvement. The data gathered will be crucial for fine-tuning strategies and setups ahead of the first race.
