By rikififi90 
The Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain delivered exciting developments for Ferrari fans, with Lewis Hamilton topping the morning session on Thursday, February 27, under challenging weather conditions. The seven-time world champion, now in his new home after 12 years with Mercedes, showcased a strong pace by setting the fastest lap of 1min29s379 with the SF-25, Ferrari’s car for the season starting in March. Meanwhile, Red Bull encountered setbacks, as mechanical issues hampered Liam Lawson’s performance, who stepped in for Sergio Pérez in this session. Persistent drizzle at the Sakhir circuit also disrupted proceedings, limiting the time available for teams to fine-tune their setups.
Hamilton, completing multiple stints on the C3 tire compound, appeared comfortable behind the wheel despite minor front-end slides in the first sector of the track. The presence of John Elkann, Ferrari’s president, in the Bahrain stands added a special note to the day, a rare sight during testing sessions. At 40 years old, the British driver is adapting to his new team, but his performance hints that Ferrari might be on the right path to contend at the front.
In contrast, Red Bull, the dominant force in recent seasons, saw its plans disrupted by technical glitches that curtailed Lawson’s lap count. Still, with the afternoon session ahead, teams are gearing up for more action and critical adjustments before the final day of testing on Friday.
Lewis Hamilton sets the morning pace for Ferrari with best time of the test 🔴 pic.twitter.com/yHYyyooIch
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) February 27, 2025
A new chapter for Hamilton at Ferrari
After a move that stunned the Formula 1 world in early 2024, Lewis Hamilton now dons Ferrari’s red, bringing with him the experience of seven world titles and 105 race wins. His arrival at the Italian outfit marks a historic moment, pairing the sport’s most successful driver with its most iconic team. In Bahrain, Hamilton not only led the morning timesheets on the second day of testing but also demonstrated consistency with multiple laps on the C3 compound, suggesting Ferrari has moved beyond initial data validation and is now refining the car’s setup.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari followed a challenging stint at Mercedes, where he endured three years of subpar results, securing just two victories since 2022. The decision to change teams stemmed from a desire for a fresh challenge and faith in the project led by Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, who is banking on significant improvements for 2025 and beyond, particularly with new regulations set for 2026.
The rare appearance of Elkann at the track underscores the significance of this moment for Ferrari. The company president seldom attends testing, signaling high expectations for Hamilton and the SF-25. Unveiled on February 18 in London, the car features white accents on its wings and rear, preserving the iconic red that embodies the passion of the tifosi.
Red Bull struggles open the door for rivals
Red Bull, which has dominated Formula 1 in recent years with Max Verstappen, faced unexpected hurdles during this pre-season. Liam Lawson, taking the wheel on Thursday, dealt with mechanical issues that limited his track time, a stark contrast to Verstappen’s commanding performance on day one, when the Dutchman outpaced his nearest rival by over a second. Known for its efficiency, the Austrian team is now racing against time to address reliability concerns before the season begins.
The drizzle in Sakhir during the morning affected all teams, but Ferrari capitalized better on the dry windows. Hamilton, leveraging his experience, pushed the SF-25’s limits on some laps, while Red Bull focused on diagnosing its issues. This creates an opportunity for Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren, the current constructors’ champion, to gain ground in the final adjustments.
Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, also saw action on the first day, finishing 12th. He returns to the cockpit Thursday afternoon, aiming to log more mileage as he prepares for his official Formula 1 debut at the Australian GP on March 16.
Morning highlights in Bahrain
The second day of testing in Bahrain offered an early glimpse of what the Formula 1 season might hold, with Hamilton and Ferrari stealing the show. The morning timesheets placed the Briton at the top, followed by George Russell of Mercedes, 0s399 behind, and Carlos Sainz, now with Williams, at 0s711. Pierre Gasly of Alpine and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin rounded out the top five, while Lawson languished in eighth, 1s854 off the pace, reflecting Red Bull’s troubles.
While pre-season testing isn’t a definitive gauge of performance—teams run varying fuel loads and engine modes—Hamilton’s pace suggests Ferrari is on an upward trajectory. Last year, the team finished second in the constructors’ standings, winning two of the final six races and securing five podiums. Now, with the seven-time champion at the helm, hopes are high that the SF-25 will be competitive from the outset.
Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate, also had a productive Wednesday, logging 71 laps and praising the solid foundation of the new car. The duo split duties on day one, completing 141 laps—or 763 km—focused on data collection and validating factory simulations from Maranello.
Testing schedule and next steps
The Bahrain pre-season tests are the only chance for teams to refine their cars before the championship kicks off. With just three days, every session is vital. Here’s the remaining schedule:
- Thursday, February 27: Afternoon session from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time, with Hamilton handing over to Leclerc and Bortoleto back in the Sauber.
- Friday, February 28: Final test day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with teams targeting race simulations and last-minute tweaks.
- March 16: Season opener at the Australian GP in Melbourne.
Post-testing, teams will have just under three weeks to analyze data and ship their cars to the first race. For Ferrari, the priority is ensuring Hamilton and Leclerc are fully synced with the SF-25, while Red Bull scrambles to resolve its mechanical woes.
Hamilton’s adaptation to the SF-25
Logging 70 laps on Wednesday, Hamilton described the tests as thrilling, emphasizing the excitement of driving the SF-25 for the first time. The Briton, who navigated a tough transition from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, understands the need to quickly grasp the new car’s nuances. He cautioned that it’s too early to judge outright performance but expressed satisfaction with the car’s handling, which seems more stable than the initial model tested in Barcelona in January.
Hamilton’s adjustment to Ferrari goes beyond mechanics—it’s cultural too. After years with Mercedes engines, he’s now acclimating to the Italian power unit, which has distinct traits. Earlier tests with older cars, like the SF-23 in Fiorano and Barcelona, yielded positive impressions, though he suffered a minor crash in January, damaging the suspension. With the official 2025 car, the focus is on fine-tuning and exploring the SF-25’s limits.
The Briton also brings unique expertise to the team. His track record of developing championship-winning cars at Mercedes could prove invaluable for Ferrari, which hasn’t won a drivers’ title since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007. Leclerc, meanwhile, welcomed the partnership, noting both drivers can learn from each other.
Numbers and trivia from pre-season
Bahrain testing always uncovers intriguing early stats. Here are some highlights so far:
- Hamilton led Thursday morning with 1min29s379 on C3 tires.
- Russell, of Mercedes, trailed by less than half a second, hinting at the German team’s strength.
- Red Bull, despite Thursday’s woes, shone on Wednesday with Verstappen’s 1min31s344, the day’s best.
- Sauber’s Bortoleto racked up 117 laps on day one, impressive for a rookie.
Additionally, the SF-25 features front suspension tweaks tailored to Hamilton’s driving style, prioritizing cornering stability. Ferrari also refined the aerodynamics for better performance on high-speed tracks like Sakhir.
Season expectations
Hamilton’s testing lead reignites tifosi hopes of ending an 18-year drivers’ title drought. Ferrari finished 2024 on a high, and Hamilton’s arrival is seen as the missing piece to challenge McLaren and Red Bull. At 27, Leclerc is eager to elevate his game alongside one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Mercedes, now with Russell and young Andrea Kimi Antonelli, aims to stay competitive. McLaren, led by Lando Norris and the reigning constructors’ champion, is another contender but has yet to fully reveal its hand. Red Bull, despite Thursday’s hiccups, remains the favorite, boosted by Verstappen’s talent and the team’s consistency.
Testing wraps up Friday, offering a clearer grid picture. Until then, Hamilton and Ferrari hold the spotlight, with the Briton proving that, at 40, he still has the speed and drive to chase an eighth world title.
The Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain delivered exciting developments for Ferrari fans, with Lewis Hamilton topping the morning session on Thursday, February 27, under challenging weather conditions. The seven-time world champion, now in his new home after 12 years with Mercedes, showcased a strong pace by setting the fastest lap of 1min29s379 with the SF-25, Ferrari’s car for the season starting in March. Meanwhile, Red Bull encountered setbacks, as mechanical issues hampered Liam Lawson’s performance, who stepped in for Sergio Pérez in this session. Persistent drizzle at the Sakhir circuit also disrupted proceedings, limiting the time available for teams to fine-tune their setups.
Hamilton, completing multiple stints on the C3 tire compound, appeared comfortable behind the wheel despite minor front-end slides in the first sector of the track. The presence of John Elkann, Ferrari’s president, in the Bahrain stands added a special note to the day, a rare sight during testing sessions. At 40 years old, the British driver is adapting to his new team, but his performance hints that Ferrari might be on the right path to contend at the front.
In contrast, Red Bull, the dominant force in recent seasons, saw its plans disrupted by technical glitches that curtailed Lawson’s lap count. Still, with the afternoon session ahead, teams are gearing up for more action and critical adjustments before the final day of testing on Friday.
Lewis Hamilton sets the morning pace for Ferrari with best time of the test 🔴 pic.twitter.com/yHYyyooIch
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) February 27, 2025
A new chapter for Hamilton at Ferrari
After a move that stunned the Formula 1 world in early 2024, Lewis Hamilton now dons Ferrari’s red, bringing with him the experience of seven world titles and 105 race wins. His arrival at the Italian outfit marks a historic moment, pairing the sport’s most successful driver with its most iconic team. In Bahrain, Hamilton not only led the morning timesheets on the second day of testing but also demonstrated consistency with multiple laps on the C3 compound, suggesting Ferrari has moved beyond initial data validation and is now refining the car’s setup.
Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari followed a challenging stint at Mercedes, where he endured three years of subpar results, securing just two victories since 2022. The decision to change teams stemmed from a desire for a fresh challenge and faith in the project led by Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, who is banking on significant improvements for 2025 and beyond, particularly with new regulations set for 2026.
The rare appearance of Elkann at the track underscores the significance of this moment for Ferrari. The company president seldom attends testing, signaling high expectations for Hamilton and the SF-25. Unveiled on February 18 in London, the car features white accents on its wings and rear, preserving the iconic red that embodies the passion of the tifosi.
Red Bull struggles open the door for rivals
Red Bull, which has dominated Formula 1 in recent years with Max Verstappen, faced unexpected hurdles during this pre-season. Liam Lawson, taking the wheel on Thursday, dealt with mechanical issues that limited his track time, a stark contrast to Verstappen’s commanding performance on day one, when the Dutchman outpaced his nearest rival by over a second. Known for its efficiency, the Austrian team is now racing against time to address reliability concerns before the season begins.
The drizzle in Sakhir during the morning affected all teams, but Ferrari capitalized better on the dry windows. Hamilton, leveraging his experience, pushed the SF-25’s limits on some laps, while Red Bull focused on diagnosing its issues. This creates an opportunity for Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren, the current constructors’ champion, to gain ground in the final adjustments.
Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, also saw action on the first day, finishing 12th. He returns to the cockpit Thursday afternoon, aiming to log more mileage as he prepares for his official Formula 1 debut at the Australian GP on March 16.
Morning highlights in Bahrain
The second day of testing in Bahrain offered an early glimpse of what the Formula 1 season might hold, with Hamilton and Ferrari stealing the show. The morning timesheets placed the Briton at the top, followed by George Russell of Mercedes, 0s399 behind, and Carlos Sainz, now with Williams, at 0s711. Pierre Gasly of Alpine and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin rounded out the top five, while Lawson languished in eighth, 1s854 off the pace, reflecting Red Bull’s troubles.
While pre-season testing isn’t a definitive gauge of performance—teams run varying fuel loads and engine modes—Hamilton’s pace suggests Ferrari is on an upward trajectory. Last year, the team finished second in the constructors’ standings, winning two of the final six races and securing five podiums. Now, with the seven-time champion at the helm, hopes are high that the SF-25 will be competitive from the outset.
Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate, also had a productive Wednesday, logging 71 laps and praising the solid foundation of the new car. The duo split duties on day one, completing 141 laps—or 763 km—focused on data collection and validating factory simulations from Maranello.
Testing schedule and next steps
The Bahrain pre-season tests are the only chance for teams to refine their cars before the championship kicks off. With just three days, every session is vital. Here’s the remaining schedule:
- Thursday, February 27: Afternoon session from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time, with Hamilton handing over to Leclerc and Bortoleto back in the Sauber.
- Friday, February 28: Final test day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with teams targeting race simulations and last-minute tweaks.
- March 16: Season opener at the Australian GP in Melbourne.
Post-testing, teams will have just under three weeks to analyze data and ship their cars to the first race. For Ferrari, the priority is ensuring Hamilton and Leclerc are fully synced with the SF-25, while Red Bull scrambles to resolve its mechanical woes.
Hamilton’s adaptation to the SF-25
Logging 70 laps on Wednesday, Hamilton described the tests as thrilling, emphasizing the excitement of driving the SF-25 for the first time. The Briton, who navigated a tough transition from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, understands the need to quickly grasp the new car’s nuances. He cautioned that it’s too early to judge outright performance but expressed satisfaction with the car’s handling, which seems more stable than the initial model tested in Barcelona in January.
Hamilton’s adjustment to Ferrari goes beyond mechanics—it’s cultural too. After years with Mercedes engines, he’s now acclimating to the Italian power unit, which has distinct traits. Earlier tests with older cars, like the SF-23 in Fiorano and Barcelona, yielded positive impressions, though he suffered a minor crash in January, damaging the suspension. With the official 2025 car, the focus is on fine-tuning and exploring the SF-25’s limits.
The Briton also brings unique expertise to the team. His track record of developing championship-winning cars at Mercedes could prove invaluable for Ferrari, which hasn’t won a drivers’ title since Kimi Räikkönen in 2007. Leclerc, meanwhile, welcomed the partnership, noting both drivers can learn from each other.
Numbers and trivia from pre-season
Bahrain testing always uncovers intriguing early stats. Here are some highlights so far:
- Hamilton led Thursday morning with 1min29s379 on C3 tires.
- Russell, of Mercedes, trailed by less than half a second, hinting at the German team’s strength.
- Red Bull, despite Thursday’s woes, shone on Wednesday with Verstappen’s 1min31s344, the day’s best.
- Sauber’s Bortoleto racked up 117 laps on day one, impressive for a rookie.
Additionally, the SF-25 features front suspension tweaks tailored to Hamilton’s driving style, prioritizing cornering stability. Ferrari also refined the aerodynamics for better performance on high-speed tracks like Sakhir.
Season expectations
Hamilton’s testing lead reignites tifosi hopes of ending an 18-year drivers’ title drought. Ferrari finished 2024 on a high, and Hamilton’s arrival is seen as the missing piece to challenge McLaren and Red Bull. At 27, Leclerc is eager to elevate his game alongside one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Mercedes, now with Russell and young Andrea Kimi Antonelli, aims to stay competitive. McLaren, led by Lando Norris and the reigning constructors’ champion, is another contender but has yet to fully reveal its hand. Red Bull, despite Thursday’s hiccups, remains the favorite, boosted by Verstappen’s talent and the team’s consistency.
Testing wraps up Friday, offering a clearer grid picture. Until then, Hamilton and Ferrari hold the spotlight, with the Briton proving that, at 40, he still has the speed and drive to chase an eighth world title.
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