Lando Norris Tops the Charts at Bahrain F1 Pre-Season Testing

The 2025 Formula 1 season kicked off with the first day of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, and McLaren’s Lando Norris made an immediate impression by setting the fastest lap time. Norris clocked a blistering time of 1:30.430, narrowly edging out Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.157 seconds. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen secured the third spot, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the top four.

Cool Conditions and Close Competition

The session took place in unusually cool conditions, with air temperatures hovering around 15°C—quite different from the sweltering heat drivers typically face in Bahrain. This weather anomaly could have influenced car performance, but teams remained cautious about reading too much into the results. Russell noted, "The car is performing well, but we’ve got to be careful because in Bahrain, it’s usually 20°C hotter."

Teams Focused on Gathering Data

While lap times are an exciting talking point, pre-season testing is primarily about data collection and fine-tuning. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who finished 16th after driving in the morning session, emphasized the importance of focusing on the car’s setup. "The car is feeling pretty good," he said, "We’re doing a good job of focusing on ourselves and getting some good information."

Mercedes Shows Promise

Mercedes, which has struggled in recent seasons, appears to have made significant strides. Russell expressed optimism about the car’s performance, describing the experience as "silky smooth" and the best he’s ever felt in Bahrain. However, he tempered expectations, acknowledging that it’s still early days.

Red Bull and Ferrari in the Mix

Red Bull and Ferrari also showed competitive pace, with Verstappen and Leclerc securing top-four finishes. New Red Bull recruit Liam Lawson experienced a minor setback, spinning at Turn Two during the morning session. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, driving in the morning, finished 13th as he adjusts to his new team.

A Glimpse into the 2025 Season

The first day of testing hinted at a closely contested season, with multiple teams showing strong potential. Norris and McLaren, who ended 2024 as constructors’ champions, are aiming to start the season on the front foot and mount a sustained title challenge. As Piastri put it, "It’s already looking very close, so I think we’re in for a very exciting year in F1."

Technical Glitch Causes Delay

The session wasn’t without its hiccups. A power outage during the afternoon caused an hour-long delay, but the day’s running was extended to compensate. Teams will now analyze the data gathered on Day 1 to refine their setups for the remainder of the test.

Looking Ahead

With two more days of testing scheduled, the pecking order could shift dramatically. Teams will continue to experiment with setups, fuel loads, and tire compounds, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the first race of the 2025 season in Bahrain.

Key Lap Times from Day 1:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 1:30.430
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 1:30.587
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1:30.674
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1:30.878