What to know about F1 preseason testing in Bahrain

The 2025 Formula 1 season begins March 16 with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. But before the 20 drivers line up on the grid at Albert Park, they must get a feel for their cars at preseason testing Wednesday-Friday in Bahrain. 

Preseason testing is an annual F1 tradition that allows teams, drivers and the media to see new vehicles in action before the season officially begins. It's an opportunity for teams to make structural, aerodynamic and operational changes to cars based on real-time feedback on the track. For three days, each team will test every variable it can think of, from fuel loads and tire changes to long runs and practice starts. The data generated from those tests will guide each team's car setup for the season.

For fans, preseason testing offers a rare opportunity to see F1 cars in a raw state. The three days of practice offer plenty of insight into how each team will perform over the course of the season. But despite all the valuable data generated, it's important for fans to remember that this preseason event is just a test.

One team's lightning-fast lap pace may be aided by an abnormally low fuel load; another's sluggish effort might be handicapped by a high one. It's dangerous to read too much into testing results for that reason. For anyone who isn't an F1 mechanic, the true value of preseason testing lies in the narratives ... and the grand return of F1 to the global sports stage.

With that in mind, here are the key narratives to follow at preseason testing:

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut ... and the grand battle between him and Charles Leclerc

If the 2025 Ferrari is capable of winning a title, as we suspect it might be, then both of its drivers — Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc —could be in the running for a title of their own. Who will prevail? Will Lewis settle in at Ferrari in his debut season and show the record-setting pace he's capable of delivering? Or will Leclerc have the edge after six full seasons with the Italian team?