A Positive End for Mercedes: George Russell Tops the Charts
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing, George Russell gave Mercedes a significant morale boost by finishing at the top of the timesheets on the final day in Bahrain. Despite the warmer conditions, which made it challenging for drivers to match the lap time set by Williams’ Carlos Sainz the previous day, Russell’s performance was a testament to the team’s consistent progress. The Mercedes driver completed an impressive 91 laps, including a full race simulation, showcasing the team’s readiness for the upcoming season.
Ferrari’s Challenges and Hamilton’s Struggles
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc led the morning session, but the afternoon proved challenging for the team. Lewis Hamilton, driving the SF-25, faced multiple off-road incidents during his early long-run work. After completing just 47 laps, Hamilton retired to the garage and did not return to the track for the remainder of the day. This setback raised concerns about the reliability and performance of the Ferrari car, especially given the competitive nature of the field. Hamilton’s struggles highlighted the pressures and complexities of pre-season testing, where every lap can provide vital data for the team’s development.
Red Bull’s Strategic Approach
Red Bull, led by Max Verstappen, took a strategic approach to the final day of testing. Verstappen, who initially struggled with the balance of the RB21, eventually found his form and set a fast lap time of 1m29.799s on the C3 compound. However, Verstappen did not complete a full distance race run, a decision that left Red Bull as the only one of the top four teams to skip this crucial test. This strategy is reminiscent of their approach in the 2024 tests, where they focused on different aspects of car performance. Verstappen’s late performance runs, alongside those of Williams’ Alex Albon, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, and Russell, indicated a strong focus on qualifying and sprint performance.
Alpine and Haas Show Promise
Alpine and Haas demonstrated promising form during the final day of testing. Pierre Gasly, driving for Alpine, set a strong early pace with a series of runs on the C3s, achieving a best time of 1m30.282s. His performance held up until the final hour when Verstappen and Albon took the top spots. Haas, which had struggled throughout the test, finally showcased its potential with a performance run by Esteban Ocon. Ocon’s late spin at Turn 1 was a minor setback, but the team’s first full run of the test provided valuable data for their preparations.
Russell’s Benchmark Time
With just seven minutes left on the clock, George Russell was sent out one last time to push for a fast lap. Driving on the C3s, he set a benchmark time of 1m29.545s, which was 0.197 seconds slower than Sainz’s time from the previous day. The warmer temperatures on the final day, while beneficial for car performance, came at the cost of rear tyre life, making it challenging for drivers to maintain high speeds during push laps. Russell’s time was a strong finish to the test, reinforcing Mercedes’ competitive position heading into the season.
Conclusion
The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain provided valuable insights into the performance and reliability of the new cars. Mercedes, led by George Russell, finished on a high note, while Ferrari faced significant challenges. Red Bull’s strategic approach and the promising performances of Alpine and Haas added layers of complexity to the competitive landscape. As teams analyze the data and make final adjustments, the stage is set for an exciting new season. The final day’s results underscore the importance of pre-season testing in fine-tuning the cars and preparing the drivers for the challenges ahead.
