McLaren impresses as F1 teams begin Bahrain testing

Formula 1's 2025 season preparations got underway in Bahrain with an intriguing first day of pre-season testing that saw all four top teams from last year showing promising signs despite challenging track conditions.

The unusually chilly temperatures and dusty surface at the Bahrain International Circuit presented teams with additional variables as they began their crucial data-gathering programs ahead of the upcoming season.

McLaren demonstrates impressive balance

Perhaps the most eye-catching performance came from McLaren, whose MCL39 displayed excellent balance immediately upon hitting the track.

Despite facing some technical issues during the afternoon running, the car's inherent poise was immediately apparent to trackside observers.

The Woking-based squad experimented with different rear wing configurations throughout the day, ultimately setting their fastest lap with a higher downforce specification later in the session.

This versatility could prove valuable as the team looks to build on their strong form from the latter part of last season.

Ferrari completes extensive running

Ferrari enjoyed a productive opening day with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton combining to complete 141 laps – 70 for Hamilton in his first outing as a Ferrari driver and 71 for Leclerc in the afternoon session.

The SF-25 showed noticeable improvements in several key areas compared to its predecessor, particularly in traction performance and high-speed stability.

The car appeared to handle the low ride height without issues, while long-run consistency left positive impressions.

"It's great to be back on track. The whole team has been very involved in the SF-25 project over the winter break, so it's exciting to finally start pushing the car," Leclerc said after his session.

"As for today, it is always good to have a problem-free session, without any nasty surprises affecting the work schedule. That said, it is still too early to draw conclusions about our performance."

Hamilton, adjusting to his new surroundings after his high-profile move from Mercedes, experienced some initial rear-end instability but appeared to grow more comfortable as his running progressed.

"Being here with Scuderia Ferrari and in the SF-25 for the first time is an incredible feeling," Hamilton commented.

"At the moment we are focused on experimenting with different things, collecting as much data as possible and getting to know the car, and we have already learned a lot."

Mercedes optimism

Mercedes delivered perhaps the most eye-catching overall performance, with rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

He made a remarkable debut by setting the fastest time in the morning session with a lap of 1:31.428 on medium compound tires.

The Italian youngster completed 78 laps without incident, showcasing both speed and reliability in his first official F1 test.

George Russell continued the team's strong showing in the afternoon, recording the second-fastest time overall, just 0.157 seconds behind Norris.

Russell completed 70 laps and provided enthusiastic feedback about the improved stability and handling of the W16 compared to its predecessor.

His evident optimism caught particular attention, especially given the cool conditions that have historically suited Mercedes' package.

Red Bull maintains low profile

Defending champions Red Bull Racing adopted a characteristically methodical approach to the first day, keeping a relatively low profile while accumulating valuable mileage.

Both drivers experienced minor moments on track, though Max Verstappen's appeared less significant.

The team received limited television coverage after Liam Lawson's spin early in the session, but there were no indications of any major concerns as they worked through their testing program.

Midfield shows promise

Williams emerged as a potential midfield surprise with Carlos Sainz setting the fifth-fastest time (1:30.955) in his first day with the team.

Haas topped the mileage charts with an impressive 160 laps split between Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, while Racing Bulls followed closely with 154 laps.

Aston Martin's day featured Fernando Alonso briefly topping the morning timesheets before finishing seventh.

Power Outage Adds Drama

The day wasn't without incident, as a significant power outage occurred two hours into the afternoon session.

The disruption plunged the pit lane into darkness for over an hour before testing resumed at 6:10 pm.

Organizers extended the day's running by an additional hour, allowing teams to complete their planned programs despite the interruption.

Competitive picture remains unclear

As expected after just one day of running, no clear competitive order has emerged among the top teams.

However, the initial indications suggest that last season's leading four – McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes – will likely maintain their position at the front of the field, potentially with reduced performance gaps between them.

Ferrari appeared to be the only top team to conduct a representative race simulation on the C3 compound tire, with others running significantly lighter fuel loads during their longer runs, resulting in lap times 3-4 seconds faster.

With two more days of testing remaining before the season opener, teams will continue refining their setups and gathering crucial data that could prove decisive in what promises to be another closely contested Formula 1 season.