Wed Feb 26 07:00:00 UTC 2025: ## F1 2025 Pre-Season Testing Begins in Bahrain: Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut and Windy Conditions

**Bahrain International Circuit –** The 2025 Formula 1 season officially kicked off today with the first day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. Windy conditions and cooler-than-expected temperatures greeted the teams as they took to the track.

Among the highlights, Lewis Hamilton made his unofficial debut for Ferrari, driving their car for the entire day. Other drivers participating in the morning session included Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Liam Lawson (Red Bull), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Jack Doohan (Alpine), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri), and Alex Albon (Williams). Most teams will switch drivers after the lunch break.

Red Bull’s RB21 car was on display, prompting speculation about the team’s approach to aerodynamic regulations. Early lap times showed Liam Lawson setting a leading pace of 1:35.806. However, with testing just beginning, performance comparisons remain tentative.

The testing session, running from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm local time (GMT +3) with a lunch break, will see each team running one car per day over the next three days. The conditions, while sunny, featured strong winds (25-30kph with gusts up to 45kph), posing a potential challenge for the teams. Observers are noting noticeable differences between the cars’ final design and earlier renderings, particularly in easily interchangeable parts like wings.

Motorsport.com is providing live coverage of the test, offering updates and photos throughout the day. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the testing location (Bahrain vs. Barcelona) via comments and social media.

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