The start of the Formula One World Championship is just around the corner, and in a few hours, we will get our first glimpse of how the 2025 season is shaping up. These tests will provide a crucial insight into each team’s real chances in what will be the last season before the major rule changes take effect in 2026.
F1 Bahrain Test: The First Official Car Runs of 2025
From Wednesday to Friday, all drivers and teams will hit the track for their first official runs of the season. These tests are vital, as they provide one of the few opportunities teams have to gather data on their new cars before the season officially begins.
It’s also a key moment for drivers, who will get their first real feel for the 2025-spec machines. For newcomers to their teams, such as Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari and Carlos Sainz at Williams, this will be one of the few chances to familiarize themselves with their new cars before the season-opening race in Australia on March 16.
Alonso and Sainz’s Outlook for the 2025 Season
The expectations for Spanish drivers this season are not overly optimistic.
Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
Aston Martin had a strong 2023 season, but last year, the team failed to take the expected step forward. Instead, they dropped back and only managed to secure 5th place in the Constructors’ Championship, largely thanks to Alonso’s skill and experience.
Can they improve? Logic suggests they might, but fighting for wins or the championship seems unlikely. The goal will be consistent podium finishes, and the team is eagerly awaiting Adrian Newey’s arrival to help develop a more competitive car.
Carlos Sainz – Williams
For Carlos Sainz, the situation at Williams does not suggest a miraculous turnaround. The historic British team finished ninth in the 2024 standings, second to last, only ahead of Sauber.
The team’s commitment to Sainz and its restructuring efforts indicate they are building for 2026, when the new regulations come into play. While Sainz’s talent and leadership could help Williams make progress in 2025, challenging at the front seems unlikely. However, the Spaniard’s experience and pressure-handling ability might allow Williams to punch above their weight in certain races.
When Are the F1 Bahrain Tests & What Time Do They Start?
Bahrain F1 Testing Schedule (U.S. Timezones)
🗓 Dates: February 21-23, 2024
📍 Location: Bahrain International Circuit
| Date | Session | ET (Eastern Time) | CT (Central Time) | PT (Pacific Time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 21 | Morning Session | 2:00 AM – 6:15 AM | 1:00 AM – 5:15 AM | 11:00 PM – 3:15 AM (Feb 20-21) |
| Afternoon Session | 7:15 AM – 11:30 AM | 6:15 AM – 10:30 AM | 4:15 AM – 8:30 AM | |
| Feb 22 | Morning Session | 2:00 AM – 6:15 AM | 1:00 AM – 5:15 AM | 11:00 PM – 3:15 AM (Feb 21-22) |
| Afternoon Session | 7:15 AM – 11:30 AM | 6:15 AM – 10:30 AM | 4:15 AM – 8:30 AM | |
| Feb 23 | Morning Session | 2:00 AM – 6:15 AM | 1:00 AM – 5:15 AM | 11:00 PM – 3:15 AM (Feb 22-23) |
| Afternoon Session | 7:15 AM – 11:30 AM | 6:15 AM – 10:30 AM | 4:15 AM – 8:30 AM |
Note: Times may vary slightly depending on track conditions and red flags.
Where to Watch Bahrain F1 Testing in the USA
F1 fans in the United States can follow the Bahrain pre-season tests through various platforms:
📺 TV Broadcast:
- ESPN (Highlights & Analysis) – Post-session coverage and expert insights.
💻 Live Streaming:
- F1 TV Pro (official Formula 1 streaming service) – Full live coverage of all test sessions with team radios and data analysis.
- ESPN+ – Select coverage and highlights available.
- F1 Social Media & YouTube – Live timing, updates, and video recaps.
📡 Live Timing & Updates:
- Formula 1 Official Website & App – Real-time leaderboard and sector times.
- Twitter (@F1, @SkySportsF1, @ESPNF1) – Instant updates and team radio snippets.
Why Are These Tests Important?
While some believe pre-season tests don’t reveal much, they often provide valuable insights into each team’s early-season potential. With just two weeks before the season opener, teams will be pushing to fine-tune their setups and extract as much data as possible.
As this is the last season under the current regulations, major performance jumps may be limited. However, with the 2025 title still up for grabs, no team will write off the season early—meaning we could be in for a tight and competitive championship battle before the sport enters a new era in 2026.