With F1 testing done, McLaren shines, Red Bull struggles, and Hamilton adapts to Ferrari. The 2025 season promises thrilling unpredictability.
With pre-season testing in Bahrain now concluded, teams and fans alike are dissecting every lap to understand the pecking order for the 2025 Formula 1 season. While track conditions fluctuated throughout the three-day session—ranging from unusually cold to the more typical desert heat—the key takeaways remain clear. McLaren appears to have made significant strides, Mercedes and Ferrari are closely matched but with differing strengths, and Red Bull remains an enigmatic force. Meanwhile, Williams and Alpine have emerged as surprise contenders, while teams like Aston Martin, Haas, and Sauber face serious questions ahead of the season opener.
McLaren’s Quiet Confidence
McLaren’s MCL39 has proven to be the standout performer of testing, showing strong long-run pace and adaptability across varying track conditions. Team principal Andrea Stella was quick to temper expectations after Lando Norris’ impressive race simulation on Day 2, highlighting the car’s advantage in cooler conditions. However, Oscar Piastri’s performance on the final day—despite trickier balance and higher tyre degradation—only reinforced McLaren’s strong position.
Piastri’s race simulation saw him outpacing Mercedes’ George Russell by approximately 0.5 seconds per lap in the first stint. Even as the runs progressed and conditions evolved, McLaren retained a slight but noticeable edge. The car’s consistency and ability to manage tyre wear effectively suggest that McLaren might have a real shot at race wins this season, particularly if they can maintain this level of competitiveness across different circuits.
Mercedes vs. Ferrari: A Battle of Strengths
The ongoing rivalry between Mercedes and Ferrari looks set to continue, with both teams delivering near-identical long-run pace but through very different means. The Ferrari appears to have an advantage in straight-line speed and acceleration out of corners, while Mercedes thrives in high-speed corners and under braking—albeit with occasional front brake locking issues.
A key storyline from the test was Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to the Ferrari SF-25 after his high-profile switch from Mercedes. Despite suffering an undisclosed technical issue that cut short his race simulation, Hamilton seemed much more comfortable with the car compared to his final years at Mercedes. His ability to match Russell’s pace in the afternoon session suggests he’s settling in quickly and could be a serious title contender.
The second Ferrari, driven by Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli, also displayed strong pace. Antonelli’s morning runs were particularly impressive, as the young Italian looked composed and competitive alongside more experienced drivers. This could be a crucial factor if Ferrari hopes to challenge for the constructors’ title.
Red Bull’s Struggles: A False Dawn or a Genuine Concern?
The biggest unknown coming out of testing is Red Bull. Unlike previous years where the team dominated pre-season, the RB21 was nowhere near completing a competitive race simulation. Max Verstappen spent most of his track time experimenting with different setups, wing configurations, and floor changes, resulting in significant lost running.
Late on the final day, Verstappen finally found a setup that worked, allowing him to set the second-fastest time of the session—only behind Russell’s Mercedes. However, the lack of long-run data raises questions about Red Bull’s overall competitiveness. Is this simply a case of the team sandbagging and keeping its cards close to its chest? Or does Red Bull genuinely have fundamental issues with its car? Bahrain’s season opener will provide the first real answers.
Williams & Alpine: The Surprise Packages
One of the most exciting developments from testing was the strong performance of Williams and Alpine. Carlos Sainz, now leading the Williams charge, stunned the paddock with his rapid lap on Day 2. While some suggested this was aided by favorable track conditions, Alex Albon backed up the performance with another top-three time on the final day. The FW47, while likely still half a second off the ultimate pace, appears to be in direct competition with Alpine.
Pierre Gasly delivered a notably consistent long run for Alpine, reinforcing the notion that both teams have pulled clear of the midfield pack. If Williams and Alpine can maintain this form, they could be dark horses in the early races.
Aston Martin, Haas & Sauber: Trouble at the Back
At the other end of the spectrum, Aston Martin endured a nightmare final day of testing, plagued by driver illnesses and a general lack of grip. The AMR25 appears to be struggling to generate the same kind of stability and performance seen in previous seasons. A difficult start to the season seems inevitable for the Silverstone-based squad.
Haas also struggled throughout testing, with neither Kevin Magnussen nor Nico Hülkenberg able to extract much speed from the VF-25. The team appears to have regressed compared to last year, raising concerns about its long-term development trajectory.
Sauber (formerly Alfa Romeo) faces a similarly challenging situation. Despite getting plenty of laps under their belt, neither Nico Hülkenberg nor rookie Gabriel Bortoletto could find a comfortable balance with the car. Early indications suggest Sauber could once again find itself stuck in Q1 come race weekends.
Conclusion: A Wide-Open 2025 Season
While testing times should always be taken with caution due to varying fuel loads, engine modes, and development programs, certain trends have emerged. McLaren looks like a genuine contender, Mercedes and Ferrari remain neck-and-neck, and Red Bull’s true pace remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Williams and Alpine could shake up the midfield, while Aston Martin, Haas, and Sauber have serious work to do.
With just days until the Bahrain Grand Prix, teams will now be poring over their data, searching for every last bit of performance. One thing is clear: F1 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.
- Discover More>F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing in Bahrain: Key Takeaways and What We Learned
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McLaren Leads – Red Bull Wobbles: F1 2025 Grid Takes Shape McLaren Leads – Red Bull Wobbles: F1 2025 Grid Takes Shape McLaren Leads – Red Bull Wobbles: F1 2025 Grid Takes Shape
