F1 Testing Day 1: Full driver lineup and how to watch the Bahrain Pre-Season action

The excitement surrounding the 2025 F1 season is palpable as teams and drivers gear up for pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. Following the grand launch of the F1 75 in London, attention now shifts to the desert track in Sakhir. Known for its dependable weather and strategic location, Bahrain has become the preferred venue for winter testing, replacing Barcelona in recent years. This year, the testing schedule is slightly different due to Ramadan, with the season opener taking place in Melbourne on March 16.

2025 F1 Pre-Season Testing Kicks Off in Bahrain: Everything You Need to Know

Over three days from Wednesday to Friday, all ten teams will have the opportunity to fine-tune their new machinery. Each team will run one car per day, giving drivers only one and a half days of track time—crucial for the newcomers in the massive rookie class of 2025. Testing is divided into morning sessions from 07:00 to 11:00 GMT and afternoon sessions from 12:00 to 16:00 GMT, with a one-hour lunch break in between.


On Day 1, fans can expect to see some exciting driver pairings. McLaren will start with Oscar Piastri in the morning, handing over to Lando Norris in the afternoon. Ferrari enthusiasts are in for a treat with Lewis Hamilton driving in the morning and Charles Leclerc taking the wheel later. Red Bull will showcase Liam Lawson’s talent before Max Verstappen hits the track. Mercedes will feature rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the morning, followed by George Russell. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will represent Aston Martin.


Other notable driver line-ups include Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly for Alpine, Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon for Haas, and Yuki Tsunoda paired with Isack Hadjar for Racing Bulls. Williams will see Alex Albon in the morning and Carlos Sainz in the afternoon, while Sauber’s line-up includes Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.

Where to Watch the Action Live

Fans worldwide can catch all the action from Bahrain. In the United States, ESPN+ will provide comprehensive coverage, along with streaming options like fuboTV and F1 TV. In the UK, viewers can tune in to Sky Sports F1 or stream via NowTV.

Also Read: F1 Pre-Season testing: Do timesheets really matter for teams’ success

With an exciting driver line-up and the anticipation of new machinery on track, the 2025 F1 pre-season testing promises to set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.