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Results of Pre-season testing
1. Norris (52 laps)
2. Russell +0.157 (70 laps)
3. Verstappen +0.244 (74 laps)
4. Leclerc +0.44 (71 laps)
Good Surprises:
Williams/Sainz at 5
Williams/Albon at 9
Bad Surprises:
Haas at 19/20—they look to have taken a step back. Their pace is not close to that of any other team.
Rain In Bahrain! | F1 Pre-Season Testing 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCwI5N3EGv0
Carlos Sainz Sets The Fastest Lap Of The Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsKf_Mscuvg
Yes, Testing is over and it all looks unclear what the pecking order is at the sharp end of the grid. On long-run data, McLaren in Norris' hands seems the car to beat this season. But we did not get a proper look at the RedBull which seemed to be dealing with several issues. Even so, Verstappen was able to show that he has the pace to be in the fight at the front of the sharp end of the grid.
The unusually cold conditions over the testing week meant the timings of the week were not properly representative of what to expect in race trim. For example, Mercedes showing strong pace in the cold weather is what we expect to see. But do not tell us if they have solved their high-temperature bogie.
While it was great to see Hamilton in Red, the Ferrari seemed to have cornering and braking issues which seemed to plague both drivers. But Hamilton showed that the Ferrari was easily the quickest on the straights. Antonelli was great to see in the Silver Mercedes. It is interesting to see that already he is not far off Russell. All of the rookies acquitted themselves admirably
The most interesting takeaway from preseason testing is the indication that the midfield has undergone a dramatic reshuffle. Williams has clearly improved considerably and could be taking over Aston Martin's typical position on the points table in 5th. Alpine also seem to be equally on par with Williams on pace, which would suggest that the fight for the top position in the midfield would be hard-fought this season.
I think a midfield team shall win a race this season and could be a Williams or Alpine or both. That is how crazy this season may turn out to be. We head to Melbourne with RedBull seeming to be on their back foot, while McLaren for once has hit the floor running from the outset. The promise of Ferrari seems shaky And Mercedes is looking good but with big question marks. The smart money is on McLaren to win the Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari normally go well in Australia, hence one of the Ferrari's may occupy the final podium position.
By the first ten laps, we shall see the true pecking order of this stage of the season.