The motorsport community is now just a day away from one of the year’s most anticipated events, as F1 kicks off its 2025 campaign with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on Wednesday.
For those unaware of the importance of these sessions, here’s a brief look at what they entail, how they work, and why they are considered the most crucial part of an F1 season. Pre-season testing is the first real test for teams and drivers after months of relying solely on virtual simulations.
Throughout six sessions across three days, drivers get their first chance to test partially or fully revamped cars on track, building up to the forthcoming championship season. For instance, while the likes of McLaren and Red Bull decided to improvise on their 2024 design, Ferrari has opted to build its 2025 car from scratch.
Article 10.6 and 10.8 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regs explained, ahead of the 2025 F1 Pre-Season Testings in Bahrain – A thread 📑 (1/6)#FIA #F1 pic.twitter.com/LfUt8o9VST
— FIA (@fia) February 25, 2025
Amidst the contrasting approaches, the results from the pre-season sessions can either bring smiles to the engineers or spark waves of concern and panic.
When and where will the 2025 F1 pre-season testing take place?
Similar to last year, the 2025 pre-season testing will take place from February 26 to February 28 at the Bahrain International Circuit. Each day will be split into two four-hour sessions—morning and afternoon – adding up to a total of 9 hours of running.
How many cars are allowed in the pre-season testing?
According to FIA regulations, only one car is allowed on track at a time, meaning up to 10 cars can take part in testing. Teams typically adopt one of two driver management strategies: either one driver takes the wheel on the opening day, with the responsibility shifting to the second driver on day two, and both drivers share the final day across the remaining two sessions.
On the other hand, some teams prefer to alternate drivers every session during the three days. Ultimately, the team’s goal is to gather enough data to work on their new car while ensuring both drivers receive ample and equal track time.
Restrictions to Formula 1 teams during pre-season testing
No team is allowed to bring any test parts, or test software or component changes to their cars during the pre-season testing. Instead, it must entirely be the 2025 challenger. However, certain test components may be used if specifically requested by the governing body.
We are finally here…
Cars on track THIS WEEK!!! 😍#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/CAqCbHYqhV
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 24, 2025
Meanwhile, there are a few sets of restrictions for drivers as well. Article 10.8 suggests that “drivers participating in these tests must be in possession of a super license or free practice license, and must have competed in at least one Formula 1 competition during their careers.”
However, this rule is unlikely to affect any of the rookies, as all of them have, at some point, participated in a free practice session in 2024.
Will 2025 F1 pre-season testing have a wet tyre session?
Normally, the FIA sets aside an entire session for testing of wet or intermediate tyres. However, it remains to be seen if Pirelli will put forward another formal request to allocate a damp session during this year’s pre-season test.
