Day One of Bahrain Pre-Season Testing: Hamilton Makes Ferrari Debut and Rookie Antonelli Shines

Hamilton Gets to Grips with Ferrari’s SF-25

The highly anticipated 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain kicked off with a flurry of activity, excitement, and speculation. Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, officially began his journey with Ferrari, marking a significant chapter in his illustrious career. After a brief shakedown of the SF-25 at Fiorano last week alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton took to the Bahrain International Circuit for his first full morning session with his new team. Despite the unseasonably cool conditions, Hamilton wasted no time in getting acquainted with his new machine, completing an impressive 70 laps—well beyond the 57-lap race distance of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The session was not without its moments of drama, as Hamilton experienced a few minor off-track excursions, particularly at Turn Four, where he kicked up gravel. However, these incidents were merely a testament to his eagerness to push the limits of the SF-25. The morning session ran relatively smoothly, with no major issues reported. As the day progressed, the reins of the Ferrari were handed over to Leclerc for the afternoon session, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and the Sky Sports app. While lap times during testing are often misleading due to varying tire compounds, fuel loads, and engine settings, the primary focus for teams on the first day was systems checks and early setup work rather than outright performance.

Mercedes’ Rookie Sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli Sets the Pace

While Hamilton was busy settling into his new surroundings, Mercedes’ 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli stole the spotlight by setting the fastest time of the morning session. The Italian prodigy, who has taken Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes, delivered a standout performance, logging 78 laps and a quickest time of 1:31.428. Antonelli’s debut was not entirely flawless, as he experienced a minor lock-up late in the session, but his overall composure and pace were highly impressive. Mercedes will undoubtedly be encouraged by their young driver’s performance, which hinted at a bright future ahead.

Antonelli’s lap time was the benchmark for the morning, and it was a fitting start to his F1 journey. The teenager’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of the sport and his new car bodes well for Mercedes as they aim to remain competitive in 2025. While testing times must be viewed with caution, Antonelli’s performance was a clear indication that he is ready to make an immediate impact in the F1 paddock.

Red Bull’s Liam Lawson and Williams’ Alex Albon Impress

Behind Antonelli, Red Bull’s Liam Lawson secured the second-fastest time of the morning with a 1:31.560, completing 58 laps in the process. Lawson, who joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull this season, showed flashes of promise but was not without his own moment of imperfection. The New Zealander spun his RB21 at Turn Three, marking the first official spin of the 2025 testing season. Despite this, Lawson managed to keep the car out of the barriers, avoiding any significant damage. His ability to recover and continue running highlighted his resilience and adaptability.

Alex Albon of Williams followed closely in third place, posting a time of 1:31.573 after 63 laps. Albon’s performance was a testament to Williams’ early-season preparation and their determination to climb up the constructor standings. Yuki Tsunoda of Racing Bulls and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, with Tsunoda recording a time of 1:31.610 and Hamilton finishing with a 1:31.834.

Mixed Fortunes for Ferrari and Alpine

As the morning session progressed, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton found himself in fifth place, setting a time of 1:31.834 after completing 70 laps. While the lap time itself was not particularly eye-catching, the sheer number of laps Hamilton covered demonstrated his commitment to understanding the SF-25. The Briton’s ability to rack up mileage will be crucial as Ferrari aims to challenge for the championship this season.

Jack Doohan of Alpine also had a productive morning, finishing sixth with a time of 1:31.841 after 68 laps. Doohan’s performance was a positive sign for Alpine, who will be hoping to build on their progress from last season. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, however, had a somewhat quieter session, completing 46 laps and finishing eighth with a time of 1:31.874. Alonso’s limited running was due to a mid-session garage visit, but the Spaniard will have ample opportunity to make up for lost time in the upcoming sessions.

Oscar Piastri and McLaren Make Their Mark

Oscar Piastri of McLaren also had a solid morning, finishing eighth with a time of 1:32.084 after completing 65 laps. Piastri’s performance was a good omen for McLaren, who are looking to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season. The Australian rookie’s ability to consistently log laps and improve his pace throughout the session was a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Further down the order, Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber recorded a time of 1:32.169 after 55 laps, while Oliver Bearman of Haas brought up the rear with a time of 1:35.522 after 72 laps. Despite the varying lap times, every team in the paddock would have taken valuable lessons from the opening session as they continue to refine their cars ahead of the new season.

Bahrain Testing Schedule and the Road to Melbourne

As the first day of testing came to a close, fans were reminded that the 2025 Formula 1 season is just around the corner. For the first time since 2019, the season will kick off in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. The race in Bahrain, which has traditionally served as the season opener, has been moved due to the timing of Ramadan in March. The 2025 calendar features 24 events, concluding with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 5-7. Fans in the UK can catch all the action live on Sky Sports F1, with the option to stream races via NOW without a contract.

As the paddock gears up for another thrilling season, the excitement is palpable. With new driver lineups, updated regulations, and a fierce battle for supremacy on the horizon, the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling in recent memory. The Bahrain test is just the beginning, and fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting the first race to see how the teams and drivers stack up against each other.