A Beginner’s Guide to F1 Pre-Season Testing: What You Need to Know
For Formula 1 fans, pre-season testing is the first real glimpse of the action before the lights go out at the first race of the season. It’s an essential period where teams fine-tune their machines, analyze performance, and ensure their cars are race-ready. But what exactly is pre-season testing, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down.
What are pre season testing days?
Pre-season testing is a crucial event that allows F1 teams to put their new cars through rigorous on-track assessments before the official start of the season. During this time, teams analyze whether their latest designs are functioning as expected and make necessary adjustments.
However, testing time in F1 is highly regulated, ensuring all teams have equal opportunities to gather data. In 2025, teams will have just 24 hours of total testing over three days, with only one car allowed on the track at a time. This makes every lap and every second count.
When and Where Does Pre-Season Testing Take Place?
For the 2025 season, pre-season testing will be held from February 26 to February 28 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The sessions will run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time, with a one-hour break in between.
Bahrain has been a favored location for testing due to its consistent weather and reliable conditions, which provide valuable, uninterrupted data collection for teams.
F1 teams invest significant time and resources in designing new cars during the off-season. Pre-season testing is their first opportunity to assess reliability, aerodynamics, and performance in real-world conditions before the first race.
For drivers, whether seasoned veterans or rookies, this period is invaluable. It allows them to adapt to new car specifications, improve handling, and familiarize themselves with potential challenges ahead of the season.
Additionally, engineers use this time to compare on-track performance data with wind tunnel and simulation models. Mechanics also sharpen their skills, particularly during pit stop practice, ensuring they are ready for race-day precision.
How to Watch F1 Pre-Season Testing
The pre-season tests should be available to watch on your local streaming service where you’ll be watching the races this season. Think of platforms like F1TV, Sky Sports, Fox Sports, Viaplay, and many more.
A test day is divided into two parts: the morning and the afternoon. Each team is allowed to run only one car on the track. You can choose to have one driver race in the morning and the other in the afternoon, or alternate between drivers for the full day.
Morning session
- Bahrain (AST): 10:00 AM
- Abu Dhabi (GST): 11:00 AM
- Qatar (AST): 10:00 AM
- Las Vegas (PST): 11:00 PM
- London (GMT): 7:00 AM
- Paris (CET): 8:00 AM
- Moscow (MSK): 10:00 AM
- Singapore (SGT): 3:00 PM
- Tokyo (JST): 4:00 PM
- Melbourne (AEDT): 6:00 PM
- New York (EST): 2:00 AM
Timing afternoon session
- Bahrain (AST): 3:00 PM
- Abu Dhabi (GST): 4:00 PM
- Qatar (AST): 3:00 PM
- Las Vegas (PST): 4:00 AM
- London (GMT): 12:00 PM
- Paris (CET): 1:00 PM
- Moscow (MSK): 3:00 PM
- Singapore (SGT): 8:00 PM
- Tokyo (JST): 9:00 PM
- Melbourne (AEDT): 11:00 PM
- New York (EST): 7:00 AM
Testing schedule
Wednesday February 26
| AM SESSION | PM SESSION |
|---|---|
| Oscar Piastri | Lando Norris |
| Lewis Hamilton | Charles Leclerc |
| Liam Lawson | Max Verstappen |
| Kimi Antonelli | George Russell |
| Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll |
| Jack doohan | Pierre Gasly |
| Alex Albon | Carlos Sainz |
| Oliver Bearman | Esteban Ocon |
| Nico Hulkenberg | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Yuki Tsunoda | Isack Hadjar |
Thursday February 27
| AM SESSION | PM SESSION |
|---|---|
| Oscar Piastri | Lando Norris |
| Lewis Hamilton | Charles Leclerc |
| Liam Lawson | Liam Lawson |
| George Russell | Kimi Antonelli |
| Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll |
| Pierre Gasly | Jack Doohan |
| Carlos Sainz | Carlos Sainz |
| Esteban Ocon | Oliver Bearman |
| Nico Hulkenberg | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Yuki Tsunoda | Isack Hadjar |
Friday February 28
| AM SESSION | PM SESSION |
|---|---|
| Lando Norris | Oscar Piastri |
| Ferrari TBC | Ferrari TBC |
| Max Verstappen | Max Verstappen |
| Kimi Antonelli | George Russell |
| Lance Stroll | Fernando Alonso |
| Jack Doohan | Pierre Gasly |
| Alex Albon | Alex Albon |
| Oliver Bearman | Esteban Ocon |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | Nico Hulkenberg |
| Isack Hadjar | Yuki Tsunoda |
What to Look for in Pre-Season Testing
One of the most exciting aspects of testing is seeing the new car designs in action. Teams may have introduced aerodynamic modifications such as reworked sidepods, floor designs, or revised wing elements.
You’ll also notice teams using tools like flow-vis paint and aero rakes to monitor airflow and assess performance. These visual cues offer insight into how teams are fine-tuning their machines.
Do Lap Times Matter?
Lap times can provide some clues about performance, but they should be taken with caution. Teams often experiment with different fuel loads and tire compounds, making direct comparisons difficult.
Bahrain International Circuit
The test days are typically held in Bahrain, a venue that has hosted them for many years. This is also the usual location for the season opener, but this year, the first race will take place in Australia instead!
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