F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing: Performers and Biggest Disappointments

The F1 Pre-season testing in Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit is complete, and we already have a prediction for this year's Formula 1 season. All 10 teams and 20 drivers were present during the testing, and they were eager to test their valuable research data and upgrades in their cars.

All these teams used the testing session to their maximum potential. Some teams disappointed their fans with their total lap runs and times. Even the drivers who were the most expected by fans are disappointed to shine during the event, and it could also be their strategy not to reveal too much.

F1 2025 Pre-season testing - Winners

Williams Racing

The team that impressed us the most was Williams Racing. Carlos Sainz carried his good form from Ferrari and emerged as the fastest rider on the second day. Alex Albon was third on the third day and could easily be the fastest mid-field team beating Aston Martin.

McLaren

The 2025 season champions could be McLaren again if they continue their same form in the main races. They showed immense speed and consistency throughout the testing session. Both the drivers are looking like front-runners and title contenders.

Mercedes

The biggest surprise during the event was the Mercedes team's outstanding pace and consistency. They are also known for their reliability as they did the most laps during the three-day testing period. It indicates that Mercedes is mostly back, and they could be the best team this year if they had the right package and performance.

Ferrari

The most expected team this year was Ferrari. Their data sheets are promising, and newcomer Lewis Hamilton feels very comfortable with his new team. Charles leclerc leads the table in terms of pace, but the season opener could bring out the real driver out of Hamilton.

Red Bull

Despite Max Verstappen’s consistent lap times, they are well behind Mercedes and the rest of the top teams. It looks like their balance issues are still not over, and they have a few more days to get their cars into the perfect settings for the first race in Australia. Having Max Verstappen in their team puts them on the winner's side.

F1 2025 Pre-season testing- Losers

Racing Bulls

The most underdeveloped car last year was the Racing Bulls. They are feeling the heat as in 2024, their sidepods were the oldest looking. In 2025, they took inspiration from their senior team and with young drivers like Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, they still have a lot of work to do before the season starts.

Sauber 

They mostly focused on gathering data and wanted to improve their reliability during the Bahrain test. So we can't see them on the timing sheets and are solely focused on getting more information from their car.

Haas

The American team impressed us the most in the 2024 season with their massive comeback. This season, they were mostly quiet with their testing. We believe they didn’t reveal their pace infront of their competitors. For a newcomer like Oliver Bearman, this testing could have gained more knowledge about the car during the testing period.

Alpine 

The French racing team didn't spend much time on the track. But with Pierre Gasly finishing tenth, it shows they have a lot of work to do to improve the performance of their car, which is the only one to use Renault engines this year.

Aston Martin

The biggest disappointment was the Aston Martin team and their drivers. Stroll fell ill, so he didn't have as many outings as the veteran Fernando Alonso. Adrian Newey is yet to start his work, so it is up to the Aston Martin team to improve the car with its designs and floor issues that hurt them badly last year. During testing, the AMR25 had understeer and handling problems.

Also Read: 2025 F1 pre-season testing: Who is driving on day 2 in Bahrain?