F1 confirm 2025 pre-season testing venue and dates

F1 has confirmed the dates and venue for 2025 pre-season testing.

The sport will head to the Bahrain International Circuit on February 26, 27 and 28, with the first race of the season in Australia running just over a fortnight later on March 14-16.

F1’s decision comes as no surprise as the venue allows all 10 teams and 20 drivers to clock up significant miles in good weather, in comparison to the often-used but much-maligned Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

That track became F1’s staple go-to pre-season testing arena but the warm weather could not be guaranteed, with temperatures often chilly in the morning. Even snow fell on the third day of the 2018 test.

Although further away, and not as easy to transport components should they be required over the three days, F1 has recognised that sunnier climes have become crucial test conditions, so it has again turned to Bahrain for next year.

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It will be the seventh occasion Bahrain has hosted pre-season testing since 2009.

Although the cars on show will be a carry-over from this year’s machinery, for many drivers it will be an opportunity to get acquainted with their new teams, so will be a test of considerable significance.

Top of the list will be Lewis Hamilton starting his time with Ferrari, whilst the driver filling his shoes at Mercedes in teenage star Kimi Antonelli will be one of three rookies in the field. The Italian will be joined by Oliver Bearman at Haas and Jack Doohan at Alpine.

Other drivers who will be changing teams for 2025 are Carlos Sainz, who switches to Williams; Nico Hulkenberg with Stake, and Esteban Ocon who will be partnering Bearman at Haas.