Russell Tops Final Day of Testing: What Can We Look Forward to in 2025?

Russell's Garage closing - Photo by Damian Hall

Mercedes' George Russell topped the timesheets with a 1:29.545 on the final day of testing, bringing pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit to a close. With the FORMULA 1 season now set to begin, excitement is building around several key storylines. While teams focused on gathering crucial data, fans and analysts have been busy deciphering what to expect when the lights go out for the season opener in Australia (March 16).

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Historic Pursuit

Ferrari on track - Photo by Damian Hall

One of the biggest talking points heading into the season is Sir Lewis Hamilton’s bid for an eighth Drivers’ Championship. Now driving for Ferrari, the seven-time World Champion is chasing a record that would cement his status as the most successful driver in FORMULA 1 history. Having already set numerous records, the Brit’s move to the Maranello based team marks a fresh challenge, one that could define his legacy. His partnership with Charles Leclerc will be closely watched, as Ferrari seeks to finally reclaim the top spot in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings. Testing showed promising pace, but whether Ferrari has built a car capable of sustaining a title challenge remains to be seen.

Max Verstappen’s Defence & McLaren’s Ambitions

Max Verstappen - Photo by Damian Hall

Standing in Hamilton’s way is the reigning champion, Max Verstappen, who is looking to secure a fifth consecutive title. Red Bull has been dominant in recent years, but with significant technical changes and the competition closing in, Verstappen may face his toughest title defence yet.

McLaren, the reigning Constructors’ Champions, will also be a team to watch. Their surge in form last season saw them rise from the midfield to become genuine title contenders. Now, the challenge is to maintain that momentum. Testing suggested the team remains competitive, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showing strong pace.

The Norris-Piastri Dynamic

Lando Norris - Photo by Damian Hall

Last season wasn’t without its tense moments for McLaren’s driver pairing. While both delivered excellent performances, their rivalry on track occasionally led to close calls. The question remains: can they work together effectively to help McLaren defend its crown, or will internal competition cause friction? With a strong car at their disposal, their relationship will be a key factor in McLaren’s success.

New Team Pairings

This season brings a shake-up in team lineups, with several high-profile driver moves and fresh pairings. The most talked-about is Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, where he partners Charles Leclerc in a duo that could reshape the championship battle. At Mercedes, young talent rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli joins George Russell, marking a new era for the Silver Arrows. Over at Red Bull, Max Verstappen is now joined by rookie Liam Lawson, stepping up to a full-time race seat.

Alpine retains Pierre Gasly, who will now race alongside rookie Jack Doohan. Haas brings in a completely new lineup, with Esteban Ocon making the switch from Alpine and rookie Oliver Bearman securing a full-time seat.

At Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, veteran Nico Hülkenberg is joined by promising rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Williams, meanwhile, sees Carlos Sainz Jr. move from Ferrari to partner Alexander Albon.

Racing Bulls introduces Yuki Tsunoda alongside fellow Red Bull junior and rookie Isack Hadjar, while Aston Martin continues with its experienced lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. McLaren remains unchanged, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continuing their partnership.

The chemistry between these pairings could shape team dynamics throughout the season, with each driver looking to assert dominance and secure crucial points for their constructor. It will be fascinating to see how the rookies adapt to the sport and whether any of them can disrupt the established order.

Aston Martin’s New Era

Aston Martin on track - Photo by Damian Hall

Another major storyline is Aston Martin’s development under the guidance of Adrian Newey, the most successful car designer in FORMULA 1 history. With Newey now on board, expectations are high that Aston Martin can build on its strong performances from last season and push further up the grid. Whether they can challenge for wins or even a title remains to be seen, but the technical expertise Newey brings is a game-changer for the team’s ambitions.

FIA’s Challenge in Maintaining Consistency

One aspect of the season that will come under intense scrutiny is how the FIA handles race officiating. Enforcing rules consistently has been a major talking point in recent years, especially since stewards are not the same at every race. With decisions often influencing race outcomes, fans and teams alike will be hoping for a more transparent and uniform approach to officiating in 2025.

A Unique Change for Monaco

In an effort to improve racing at Monaco, the FIA has introduced a mandatory two-stop strategy for this year’s event. Traditionally, FORMULA 1 regulations require only one pit stop in dry conditions, ensuring drivers use at least two different tyre compounds. However, given Monaco’s notoriously narrow streets and lack of overtaking opportunities, the FIA hopes that enforcing an additional stop will create more strategic diversity and increase on-track action.

The C6 Tire Compound Joins the Grid

Soft compound tyre - Photo by Damian Hall

This season also marks the introduction of Pirelli’s new C6 tire compound, designed to provide additional grip and performance. The current range consists of:

C1 – The hardest compound, offering durability.

C2 – A hard compound suited for longer stints.

C3 – The medium tire, striking a balance between speed and longevity.

C4 – A soft tire, offering high performance but higher degradation.

C5 – The softest compound before C6, optimized for maximum grip on smooth circuits.

C6 – The new addition, specifically tailored for high-grip, high-energy tracks.

Its impact on race strategies will be an interesting development throughout the season.

Looking Ahead

With pre-season testing wrapped up, all eyes now turn to the first race of the season. The 2025 FORMULA 1 season officially kicks off with the FORMULA 1 LOUIS VUITTON AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2025 on March 16, 2025, at the Albert Park Circuit. Will Hamilton’s move to Ferrari pay off? Can Verstappen hold onto his title? Will McLaren’s duo push each other too far? And how will the rookies fare in their debut campaigns? The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in years. The wait is almost over— FORMULA 1 is back.

Full classification from Day 3 of FORMULA 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain:

www.formula1.com

Russell Tops Final Day of Testing: What Can We Look Forward to in 2025? by Damian Hall