The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing commenced at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 26, with McLaren’s Lando Norris setting the fastest lap of the day at 1:30.430. Mercedes’ George Russell trailed closely by 0.157 seconds, while reigning World Champion Max Verstappen secured the third spot for Red Bull.
The day’s sessions faced an unexpected interruption due to a power outage caused by an external substation failure, leading to a temporary halt and an extension of testing by an additional hour.
Notably, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Williams’ newcomer Carlos Sainz showcased competitive performances, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Mercedes’ rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed by topping the morning session and completing 78 laps, the joint-highest of the day.
Despite the unforeseen power disruption, teams maximized their track time, gathering crucial data to fine-tune their cars ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. The testing continues over the next two days, offering teams further opportunities to assess their performance and make necessary adjustments.
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