F1 2025 pre-season testing: schedule, venue and where to watch

02/13/2025 04:48 PM

Everything You Need to Know About F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing

As another thrilling Formula 1 season approaches, pre-season testing sets the stage for what's to come. It’s is therefore the best time to give you all the key details you need, from testing schedules to TV coverage.

This year, the season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16, marking the event's first return as an F1 season opener since 2019. It will also be a historic moment for Lewis Hamilton as he makes his Ferrari debut. Before the racing begins, Hamilton and the rest of the 2025 grid will have their only extended track time with their new cars during a crucial three-day testing session in Bahrain.

Here's everything you need to know, including the location, TV broadcast details, and when Hamilton is set to drive Ferrari's latest challenger for the first time.

Where Will F1 Pre-Season Testing Take Place?

The 2025 pre-season testing session will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit, a state-of-the-art facility located near Manama, the capital of Bahrain. The circuit has become the preferred venue for testing due to its dry and consistent weather, minimizing the risk of rain disrupting valuable track time.

Testing in Europe, where many teams are based, would pose a higher risk of delays due to unpredictable winter conditions. By conducting the test in Bahrain, teams can maximize uninterrupted running, ensuring they gather as much critical data as possible before the first race.

With just three days available, every lap counts. Teams will use this limited track time to assess their cars’ reliability, fine-tune setups, and troubleshoot any early technical issues before heading into the competitive season.

How to Watch F1 Pre-Season Testing

For fans eager to get an early look at the 2025 cars in action, pre-season testing will be broadcast live on TV.

Sky Sports F1 holds the exclusive broadcasting rights in the UK, ensuring that viewers can follow every lap, pit stop, and on-track development throughout the three-day event. Outside of the UK, F1 TV will provide live coverage, delivering the same feed used by Sky Sports and offering an in-depth look at the testing sessions.

For those experiencing F1 withdrawal since the last race, this will be the first real opportunity to see how the teams stack up before the new season begins.

F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing Schedule

The test will take place over three days, running from Wednesday, February 26, to Friday, February 28.

Each day, the track will be open for eight hours, with the session running from 10:00 AM local time (7:00 AM GMT) until 6:00 PM local time (3:00 PM GMT).

Teams will aim to complete as many laps as possible while avoiding major stoppages. To ensure race procedures are in place, the FIA often schedules practice starts during one of the sessions, allowing teams and officials to check that timing systems and transponders are fully operational before the first race weekend.

When Will Lewis Hamilton Drive the Ferrari for the First Time?

Pre-season testing is now more restricted than in previous years, having been reduced to just three days for cost-saving purposes. As a result, teams must be strategic about how they divide driving duties between their two drivers.

Most teams opt to alternate between a half-day split and full-day runs, but the exact schedule depends on their individual plans. Some prioritize giving their more experienced driver additional time to fine-tune setups, while others may focus on gathering as much baseline data as possible before handing the car over to their second driver.

Ferrari has yet to confirm its exact schedule, but Hamilton is expected to get at least 12 hours of track time across the three days—unless unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues or crashes interfere. As soon as Ferrari announces its testing plan, details will be updated accordingly.

What Happens During F1 Pre-Season Testing?

Pre-season testing is more than just a shakedown of new cars—it's a critical phase where teams collect and analyze vast amounts of data to ensure their machines are race-ready.

Most of the 2025 cars will be evolutions of last year's models, meaning drastic reliability issues are unlikely. However, engineers still need to validate the aerodynamic and mechanical changes made during the off-season.

Throughout the test, teams will use specialized equipment such as aero rakes—metallic structures covered in sensors that map airflow around specific parts of the car, such as the diffuser, sidepods, or front wing. These allow engineers to measure aerodynamic efficiency and compare real-world data against wind tunnel simulations.

Another common tool is flow-vis paint, a brightly colored liquid applied to a car's bodywork to visualize airflow patterns. As the car moves at high speeds, the paint spreads across the surface, helping engineers see exactly how air interacts with various components. Some teams even use ultraviolet-sensitive flow-vis paint to keep their findings hidden from rival teams and photographers.

With only three days of running, teams must make every lap count. Testing provides the last opportunity to iron out any issues before the season begins, making it a crucial step in shaping the 2025 Formula 1 championship battle.

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