719 replies to this topic

[EvilPhil II]

2025 Formula 1 Testing 

Welcome to a centralized thread to track and document Formula 1 testing stories and data for 2025.

 

About this thread

 

Motivation

I've been digging around for stories and data on past Formula 1 testing seasons from the late 1980s and early 1990s, and it's been awesome! I've found all these old threads and articles, and I've learned so much about all the drivers, engine and chassis combos, and prototype concepts that people don't really talk about anymore. It's been fun to see what they were trying out back then when track running was very lightly regulated and unrestricted.  

 

Status Quo 

With all the tight rules around track testing in Formula 1 these days, it's hard to keep up with what's going on. There aren't many places to find info specifically about F1 testing and figuring out when and what teams are running is a real headache for fans and those not in the know.

 

But hey, we're expecting more Testing Previous Cars (TPC) activities this season with all the driver changes and new rookie drivers coming in. Plus, 2026 mule cars have already started tire testing, and engine testing for 2026 should kick off soon. We might even see the Cadillac team gearing up for their big debut and their car hitting the track sometime in late 2025 as they get ready for 2026. So, having a dedicated thread to follow all the action seems like a good idea once again.

 

 

Making Sense of the 2025 F1 testing regulations 

 

The regulations regarding Formula 1 track running outside of a grand prix weekend have changed massively since the late 1980’s, 1990’s, and early 2000’s when teams were often testing between grand prix weekends in multiple locations with multiple test teams and drivers concurrently. 

 

I have taken a deep dive of the 2025 sporting regulations and deciphered as best I can the following 6 types of track running outside of Grand Prix weekends that are permitted under the current 2025 sporting regulations. 

 

Summary of Non-Competition Permitted Track Running Time

1. Testing of Current Cars (TCC)

   • Purpose: Testing and development of cars currently used in the championship.

   • Cars Allowed: Current cars, and in specific cases Previous and Mule cars.

   • Circuits: Primarily European circuits, with exceptions.

   • Restrictions: Specific ECU, fuel handling procedures, and other safety regulations.

   • Examples: Pre-season private collective testing, public collective testing, post-season testing, out-of-competition tire testing, and substitute driver testing.

2. Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

   • Purpose: Testing using cars from the previous three calendar years.

   • Cars Allowed: Previous cars with period-specific components and software.

   • Circuits: FIA Grade 1 or 1T licensed circuits

   • Restrictions: Limited to 20 days and 1000 kilometers per year for championship drivers, specific ECU, and specific tires. Restrictions based on upcoming competitions and circuit modifications such as; TPC may not take place on a circuit hosting a competition in the championship in the 60 days prior to the start of the relevant competition in the championship. Additionally, it is not allowed to run at a circuit hosting a competition in the current years championship that wasn't raced at in the previous years championship OR has been significantly modified from the previous years event (prevents unfair track familiarization prior to the event).

   • Examples: Driver familiarization running e.g. Lewis Hamilton, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, running TPC for team and car systems familiarization. 

3. Testing of Historic Cars (THC)

   • Purpose: Heritage and exhibition runs for cars older than those allowed in TPC.

   • Cars Allowed: Historic cars with period-specific construction.

   • Restrictions: Specific tires.

   • Examples: Sky F1 filming of Martin Brundle testing a 1996 Williams Renault at Silverstone. 

4. TCC Promotional Events (PE)

   • Purpose: Marketing and promotional activities.

   • Cars Allowed: Current cars.

   • Restrictions: Limited to 200km per event, specific ECU, and specific tires.

   • Examples: Filming days 

5. Demonstration Events (DE)

   • Purpose: Purely demonstrational runs.

   • Cars Allowed: Current or previous cars.

   • Restrictions: Limited mileage (15km for current cars, 50km for previous cars), specific ECU, and specific tires.

   • Examples: Goodwood Festival of Speed hill demonstration run. 

6. Testing of Mule Cars (TMC)

   • Purpose: Testing of future tire designs or FIA components and systems.

   • Cars Allowed: Modified cars (Mule Cars), Current Cars, and Previous Cars, adapted for testing purposes.

   • Circuits: FIA Grade 1 or 1T licensed tracks.

   • Restrictions: Specific modifications allowed, specific ECU, fuel-handling procedures, and other safety regulations.

   • Examples: 2026 tire testing, 2026 PU testing, etc

Edited by EvilPhil II, 02 February 2025 - 18:30.

[EvilPhil II]

2025 F1 Track Running

 

Past (to best of our knowledge) 

 

January

 

21st January 

 

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Imola Circuit (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari)

Chassis: AT04

Power Unit: Honda RBPTH00

Driver(s): Yuki Tsunoda

 

Team: Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Imola Circuit (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari)

Chassis: Alfa Romeo C42

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Gabriel Bortoleto

 

23rd January 

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Fiorano Circuit

Chassis: Ferrari SF-23

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Lewis Hamilton (30 laps), Charles Leclerc

Known Distance: 131 km

 

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Imola Circuit (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari)

Chassis: AT04

Power Unit: Honda RBPTH00

Driver(s): Ayumu Iwasa

 

Team: Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Imola Circuit (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari)

Chassis: Alfa Romeo C42

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Gabriel Bortoleto

 

28th, 29th, 30th January  

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: Ferrari SF-23

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): 1st + 2nd day: Lewis Hamilton, 3rd day: Antonio Giovinazzi, and Degan Beganovic

 

29th, 30th January 

 

Team: McLaren Formula 1 Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuit Paul Ricard (3.463 kilometre long 2A version)

Chassis: McLaren MCL38 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris 

Known Distance: 840 km

 

 

Upcoming

 

 

February 

 

4th, 5th February

 

Team: McLaren Formula 1 Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: McLaren MCL38 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): (TBC) Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris 

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: Ferrari SF-24 (Mule Car)

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): (TBC) Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc

 

12th, 13th February

 

Team: BWT Alpine Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuito de Jerez

Chassis: Alpine A523 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Renault E-Tech RE23

Driver(s): (TBC) 

 

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuito de Jerez

Chassis: F1 W15 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): TBC

 

Team: McLaren Formula 1 Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuito de Jerez

Chassis: McLaren MCL38 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): (TBC) 

 

16th February

 

Team: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Silverstone Circuit

Chassis: (TBC) VF-25 (2025) 

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Esteban Ocon

 

19th February

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Fiorano Circuit

Chassis: (TBC) Ferrari SF-25 (2025) 

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): (TBC) Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc

 

24th February

 

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit

Chassis: F1 W16

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): TBC

 

25th February

 

Team: Oracle Red Bull Racing

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit

Chassis: RB21(2025) 

Power Unit: Honda RBPTH00

Driver(s): Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson

 

26th, 27th, 28th February

 

Team: All 

Track Running: Testing of Current Cars (TCC); Public collective testing

Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit

Chassis: 2025 team chassis’ 

Edited by EvilPhil II, 02 February 2025 - 15:41.

[PayasYouRace]

Thanks for the effort putting all this together in one place.

[EvilPhil II]

2025 vs 2026 Formula 1 Testing Regulations

 

While researching the 2025 sporting regulations I stumbled across the late working draft of the 2026 sporting regulation.  If I have interpreted this correctly there is some great news for us F1 fans hidden away in the details. 

In summary, there are a lot more public testing days in 2026 including the reintroduction of 2 cars per team for some collective testing. There are also some relaxing of the rules regarding demonstrations of cars at events.

 

Here are some significant examples; 

 

Demonstration Events (DE)

Changes to the rules in 2026 of Demonstration Events appear to permit teams to use current cars to potentially run for 15 km at events similar to Goodwood Festival of Speed. Additionally, previous cars can run 50 km at such events. 

 

Testing Current Car (TCC) Opportunities

TL;DR there are 11 days planned for collective testing prior to the start of the 2026 championship which includes 2 x 3 day public tests with all the teams. 

There is a single day multicar per team test directly after the last race of the season. And there are an additional 40 days of tire testing. 

• [NEW] Pre-Season Private Collective Testing: One 5-day test between January 5 and 31, 2026, open to all competitors, with each competitor allowed 3 days of track running and one car per day.

• [Extended] Pre-Season Public Collective Testing: Two 3-day tests open to all competitors will be held between February 7th and 7 days before the first Competition of the Championship. Each competitor may only use one car per day, and covers may be used when the floor of a car is not fitted or during recovery and repair. One day may be used for wet-weather tire testing if requested by the tire supplier.

• [2x Car Testing] Post-Season Test: A one-day test using two cars will be held at the last Championship Competition circuit, starting at least 36 hours after the Competition ends. One car, driven by Super Licence holders/qualifiers, will test next season's tyres and use current or previous year's components and software (excluding Power Units). The second car, for Young Drivers with limited F1 experience, will use similar components and software. Both cars must use homologated Power Unit elements and approved software modifications.

• Out-of-Competition Tire Testing: The FIA will organize up to 40 car days of testing to improve tire design. Eligible drivers must have a Full Super License and have competed in at least one Formula 1 Competition or driven 500 km in a current Formula One Car at racing speeds. Testing at a Championship circuit can only occur after the Championship Competition at that circuit. The Tire Supplier can arrange tests between the end of the first Championship Competition and December 31st using current or previous year's cars, and between January 1st and the end of the first Championship Event using previous year's cars.

• Substitute Driver Test: One day of testing is allowed for a new driver who has not participated in a Formula 1 World Championship Race in the previous two years. The test must be carried out by the new driver only, on a non-Championship circuit, within 14 days before or after the substitution. If the new driver does not compete, the team loses one pre-season testing day the following year. Only one car may be used.

 

Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Each team has a maximum of 20 TPC days and 1,000 kilometers per calendar year.

• Must use drivers entered in the Championship, or which they intend to enter in the Championship. This is particularly significant as it prevents up and coming drivers not yet hired to race to conduct private tests. 

• TPC running is limited to a single car per team per day.

• Exceptions to the component and software rules may be granted by the FIA for specific reasons.

• Only specific tires from the Tyre Supplier are allowed.

Testing of Mule Cars (TMC)

A maximum of 40 Car days of testing for TMC is allowed per year, organized by the FIA divided between all teams, and organized by the FIA.  

• Cars must include only the minimum modifications needed for testing development tyres or components/systems on behalf of the FIA for future Championship seasons.

• Only Mule Cars, Current Cars, or Previous Cars are allowed on the track during TMC.

• FIA may approve non-compliant components/software for TMC due to cost, reliability, safety, availability, or track conditions.

• Only tyres made by the Tyre Supplier for development or approved by the FIA and Tyre Supplier can be used.

• No test parts, software, or component changes are allowed (unless requested by the FIA).

• Mechanical and driver control changes are only allowed if needed for evaluation or to complete the test program.

 

Promotional Events (PE)

2 x 200 km day promotional event tests with the current car. 

• Teams can use current cars.

• Must not exceed 200 km.

• Only one promotional event test may be carried out per team per day.

• Only tyres manufactured specifically for this purpose by the Tyre Supplier may be used.

 

Notifications and Transparency

In 2026, teams must inform the FIA and other teams of plans of Testing Previous Cars (TPC), Testing Current Car Promotional Events (PE), or Demonstration Events (DE) activities such as Goodwood Festival of Speed, at least seven days before commencement, amendable up to 72 hours before. 

In 2025, this notification period was 72 hours, with no mention of amendments

 

Observer Appointments

Very interestingly, an FIA observer may then be appointed and attend any planned Testing Previous Cars (TPC), Testing Current Car Promotional Events (PE), or Demonstration Events (DE) activity. I am assuming there has been suspicion of what is running on the Previous Cars in prior tests and this is an attempt to lock that down. 

Edited by EvilPhil II, 02 February 2025 - 18:29.

[EvilPhil II]

3rd February

 

Team: Williams Racing

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis:  FW45 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: Ferrari SF-24

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): (TBC) 

 

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: F1 W13

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s):  (TBC) Andrea Kimi Antonelli?

[Stoffel]

 

• [NEW] Pre-Season Private Collective Testing: One 5-day test between January 5 and 31, 2026, open to all competitors, with each competitor allowed 3 days of track running and one car per day.

 

Wait, so we will not be able to see the debut of the 2026 cars?! That's a joke...

[Stephane]

You'll get pictures, don't worry

[PayasYouRace]

Wait, so we will not be able to see the debut of the 2026 cars?! That's a joke...

It hasn’t been that long since teams shook down their new cars privately before launching as a matter of routine.

[Anja]

Didn't they do that in 2022 as well?

[Stephane]

yeah, the "official shake down" that wasn't a test because it said shakedown. Willy B was really funny with trying to distort reality on that one.

[Joseki]

Ferrari is testing again in Barcelona today. Hamilton with Pirelli and Leclerc doing a TPC.

[jonpollak]

Thanks Phil for this tremendous diary of the lead up to the season!!

Great work.

My friend Melanie Maria-Pratt is marshaling at Circuit Cat again. Hopefully she’ll have observations to pass on.
Jp

[EvilPhil II]

4th February

 

Team: McLaren Formula 1 Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: McLaren MCL60 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Lando Norris 

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: Ferrari SF-24 (Mule Car)

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc

 

Running narrow track, 2026 tires, and under weight. 

 

Lap Times

1. Lando Norris, 4, Time 1:15.1, Laps 159.

2. Lewis Hamilton, 44, Time 1:15.9, Laps 87.

3. Charles Leclerc, 16, Time 1:16.0, Laps 86.

 

Coverage: 

• https://press.pirell...k-in-barcelona/

Edited by EvilPhil II, 14 February 2025 - 12:41.

[EvilPhil II]

5th February

 

Pirelli 2026 F1 Tire Test 

 

Team: McLaren Formula 1 Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: McLaren MCL60 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Lando Norris 

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Chassis: Ferrari SF-24 (Mule Car)

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc

 

Running narrow track, 2026 tires, and under weight. 

 

Lap Times

1. Charles Leclerc, 16, Time 1:14.9, Laps 74.

2. Oscar Piastri, 81, Time 1:15.8, Laps 74.

3. Lewis Hamilton, 44, Time 1:16.7, Laps 152.

 

Coverage: 

• https://press.pirell...in-barcelona-0/

 

 

12th February

 

Pirelli 2026 F1 Tire Test 

 

Team: McLaren Formula 1 Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto

Chassis: McLaren MCL60 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Pato O'Ward

 

Team: BWT Alpine Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuito de Jerez

Chassis: Alpine A523 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Renault E-Tech RE23

Driver(s): Pierre Gasly

 

Lap Times

1. Pierre Gasly, 10, Time 1:18.0, Laps 157.

2. Pato O'Ward, 29, Time 1:19.4, Laps 153.

 

Coverage: 

• https://press.pirell...ne-and-mclaren/

 

 

13th February

 

First 2025 F1 Car Hits the Track! 

 

Team: McLaren Formula 1 Team

Track Running: Testing of Current Cars (TCC) Promotional Events (PE)

Circuit: Silverstone Circuit

Chassis: McLaren MCL39  

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri

 

Speculation and photos suggest that Oscar ran the McLaren MCL38 in camo on the same day. 

 

Coverage: 

• https://youtu.be/ueu...6rygNF0pq8v8lbG
• https://youtu.be/Nyl...Dy_4W0mZtCezAp3

 

Pirelli 2026 F1 Tire Test 

 

Team: BWT Alpine Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuito de Jerez

Chassis: Alpine A523 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Renault E-Tech RE23

Driver(s): Jack Doohan

 

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Mule Cars (TMC), 2026 Tire Testing 

Circuit: Circuito de Jerez

Chassis: F1 W15 (Mule Car) 

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): George Russell

 

Lap Times

1. Jack Doohan, 7, Time 1:17.2, Laps 113.

2. George Russell, 63, Time 1:17.9, Laps 135.

 

Coverage: 

• https://press.pirell...-ends-at-jerez/

Edited by EvilPhil II, 14 February 2025 - 13:07.

[EvilPhil II]

14th February

 

Second 2025 F1 Car Hits the Track! 

 

Team: Atlassian Williams Racing

Track Running: Testing of Current Cars (TCC) Promotional Events (PE)

Circuit: Silverstone Circuit (Short Config) 

Chassis: FW47  

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Carlos Sainz

 

Speculation suggested that the initial reaction from the team was one of delight and surprise as the car returned to the pits following its stake down under its own power and in one piece. 

 

Coverage: 

• https://www.youtube....KFGJQI9STsrMeEP
• https://youtu.be/bm7...ezU0Ft3BZDGikXY
• http://youtube.com/p...UKCkkOVHZ7ohpxq

Edited by EvilPhil II, 14 February 2025 - 11:49.

[EvilPhil II]

Backdated the updates to the testing over the past few weeks including drivers, chassis, lap times (where applicable), lap count (where applicable), track running description, and added links to open coverage. 

 

*Apologies for the lack of updates. I was fighting a very nasty flu virus the past week.  

[EvilPhil II]

16th February

 

Third 2025 F1 Car Hits the Track

 

Team: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Silverstone Circuit

Chassis: VF-25 (2025) 

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Esteban Ocon

 

Coverage: 

• https://x.com/bestof...085358797836390
• https://youtu.be/cRn...KmbGa1gjSZCeK5G

Edited by EvilPhil II, 16 February 2025 - 12:59.

[EvilPhil II]

19th February

 

Ferrari and Racing Bulls 2025 F1 Cars Hit the Track

 

Team: Scuderia Ferrari HP

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Fiorano Circuit

Chassis: Ferrari SF-25 

Power Unit: Ferrari 066/10

Driver(s): Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc

 

Coverage: 

• https://www.planetf1...orano-shakedown
• https://youtu.be/ycE...CCr9U59d8djkekn

 

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Imola Circuit (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari)

Chassis: VCARB 02

Power Unit: Honda RBPTH00

Driver(s): Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar

 

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Imola Circuit (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari)

Chassis: AT04

Power Unit: Honda RBPTH00

Driver(s): Isack Hadjar

 

20th February

 

Team: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team

Track Running: Testing of Previous Cars (TPC)

Circuit: Imola Circuit (Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari)

Chassis: AT04

Power Unit: Honda RBPTH00

Driver(s): Arvid Lindblad 

 

Coverage: 

• https://x.com/KymIll...179788783399270
• https://youtu.be/ops..._2ONqdTupKXC9CZ
• https://youtu.be/dGC...9E0SEiwB789G3BB

Edited by EvilPhil II, 22 February 2025 - 22:33.

[EvilPhil II]

25th February (Upcoming) 

 

Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG 2025 F1 Car Hits the Track

Prior to official pre-season testing both Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG will take to the Bahrain International Circuit for a single filming day to shake down their new 2025 challengers. 

 

Team: Oracle Red Bull Racing

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit

Chassis: RB21

Power Unit: Honda RBPTH00

Driver(s): Liam Lawson 

 

Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit

Chassis: F1 W16

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): George Russell

[JimmyClark]

It's looking quite cold this week in Bahrian (mid-10s). 

[EvilPhil II]

There is a rumor that Aston Martin have been running late with their car and as a result will now shake down the car with Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG in Bahrain on Tuesday 25th February. 

[Jellyfishcake]

I really think these days with only 3 days of running they should allow both cars to run if teams are ready/want too

Or if they don't want the full time drivers to have too much running mandate that the second car has to be a reserve/junior driver 

[JL14]

When teams say they have no idea where they and other teams stand in the pecking order, remember that James Allison has said that in 2012 he knew after winter testing that Williams would win in Spain.
In his words, the testing days had shown him that Williams had (accidentally) built a Barcelona specific car, flourishing there while they would struggle more (to different extents) at other tracks.

Also, so much for 'a car that is good around Barcelona will be good everywhere'.

Edited by JL14, 22 February 2025 - 21:41.

[Francesc]

I've never heard this story. Fascinating.

[KWSN - DSM]

It's looking quite cold this week in Bahrian (mid-10s). 

 

Tennis Tournament in Dubai had to reschedule games due to rain during the week. Now I want rain for 3 days of testing.

[AustinF1]

I really think these days with only 3 days of running they should allow both cars to run if teams are ready/want too

Or if they don't want the full time drivers to have too much running mandate that the second car has to be a reserve/junior driver 

Absolutely this. With testing so severely limited having a car go down even for just a few hours can have a huge impact on that team's season. With 2 cars running, that loss could be mitigated somewhat, among other benefits.

[JL14]

I've never heard this story. Fascinating.

 

It was mentioned on the recent Autosport podcast episodes on Williams. Hasn't been a news story / interview, but something Allison told to (iirc Mark Hughes) on a shared flight or so.

[EvilPhil II]

It was mentioned on the recent Autosport podcast episodes on Williams. Hasn't been a news story / interview, but something Allison told to (iirc Mark Hughes) on a shared flight or so.

 

if I recall correctly Allison would have been with Lotus (Renault) that season and they had to cancel their test due to a critical construction mistake with their chassis that was leading to dangerous failures. 

[rodlamas]

Last year Pirelli displayed the tires all teams selected for testing. Have them made that available this year?

[DevilDare]

Looking forward to all the, "ominous" posting this week!

[KWSN - DSM]

Looking forward to all the, "ominous" posting this week!

 

And sandbagging.

[jradicals]

In non car-related reveals, we also have the new pitlane clock for the post-Rolex era.

Edited by jradicals, 24 February 2025 - 16:57.

[mclarensmps]

Looks fast

[DW46]

What’s Gary Anderson think?

[FirstnameLastname]

if you get the Sky Sports App, it says they are showing testing for free on there and on their YouTube channel

[EvilPhil II]

24th February

 

Aston Martin Racing and Alpine 2025 F1 Cars Hit the Track

 

Team: BWT Alpine Formula One Team

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit

Chassis: Alpine A525 

Power Unit: Renault E-Tech RE25

Driver(s): Pierre Gasly, Jack Doohan

 

Team: Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team

Track Running: TCC Promotional Events (PE), Filming Day 

Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit

Chassis: AMR25

Power Unit: Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

Driver(s): Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll

 

Coverage: 

• https://www.autospor...edown/10698200/
• https://x.com/AstonM...982889760510395

Edited by EvilPhil II, 24 February 2025 - 19:36.

[Joseki]

 

 

As noted in the first picture: a team can use a maximum of 30 sets of tyres despite having 35 sets of tyres available.

[MJB5990]

As noted in the first picture: a team can use a maximum of 30 sets of tyres despite having 35 sets of tyres available.

 

I do find that fascinating. 10 teams and all of them doing something slightly different. Merc will do everything on C3 by the looks of that. Williams and Ferrari will try one glory lap at some point. God knows what Aston are doing with those inters. 

[Joseki]

I do find that fascinating. 10 teams and all of them doing something slightly different. Merc will do everything on C3 by the looks of that. Williams and Ferrari will try one glory lap at some point. God knows what Aston are doing with those inters. 

 

40% of rain forecasted for day 2 of testing.

[Hellenic tifosi]

The C3 is essentially the soft tyre in Bahrain.

[JimmyClark]

Oh yeah, the Norwegians are showing a wettish day on Thursday. https://www.yr.no/en...hir Airbase?i=2

Edited by JimmyClark, 25 February 2025 - 16:12.

[Joseki]

Day 1 program

 

McLaren Piastri AM / Norris PM

Ferrari Hamilton AM / Leclerc PM

Red Bull Lawson AM / Verstappen PM

Mercedes Antonelli AM / Russell PM

Aston Martin Alonso AM / Stroll PM

Alpine Doohan AM / Gasly PM

Haas Bearman AM / Ocon PM

Racing Bulls Tsunoda AM / Hadjar PM

Williams Albon AM / Sainz PM

Sauber Hulkenberg AM / Bortoleto PM

Edited by Joseki, 25 February 2025 - 20:56.

[KWSN - DSM]

40% of rain forecasted for day 2 of testing.

 

Aston Martin and Haas to battle it out.

[rodlamas]

The C3 is essentially the soft tyre in Bahrain.

C3 is the tire that every team ran last year on every race and that will be run on almost every race this year, except maybe 3 (Monaco, Singapore and maybe somewhere else).

[Joseki]

Day 1 program

 

McLaren Piastri AM / Norris PM

Ferrari Hamilton AM / Leclerc PM

Red Bull Lawson AM / Verstappen PM

Mercedes Antonelli AM / Russell PM

Aston Martin Alonso AM / Stroll PM

Alpine Doohan AM / Gasly PM

Haas Bearman AM / Ocon PM

Racing Bulls Tsunoda AM / Hadjar PM

Williams Albon AM / Sainz PM

Sauber Hulkenberg AM / Bortoleto PM

Full program of tomorrow, we'll see all 20 drivers lap as no team is opting to have 1 driver do all session.

[Hellenic tifosi]

C3 is the tire that every team ran last year on every race and that will be run on almost every race this year, except maybe 3 (Monaco, Singapore and maybe somewhere else).

 

Exactly. That's why it's by far the most popular choice.

[STRFerrari4Ever]

Having a chilled day tomorrow and what better way to start it off than F1 at 7am over here until 4pm, we’ve truly been spoilt since 2019 to be able to follow live testing coverage.

Who remembers the days of watching obscure livestreams, CCTV feeds and relying on google translate to make sense of some of the observations of various journalists and fans at Catalunya to gauge who looked good or not. Part of me misses that experience but I don’t think I’d go back to it.

Another thing is the reliability we see nowadays is night and day to what was the norm just 6 years ago let alone 11 years ago when the turbo hybrids debuted and the first few seasons with these PU’s, cars being in the garage for the whole day with issues was par for the course.

[jensfan09]

So who’s going to be the first team and driver to stop on track?

I’m going with Ferrari and Hamilton! Lol

[KPower]

So who’s going to be the first team and driver to stop on track?

I’m going with Ferrari and Hamilton! Lol

 

Stop on track due to an empty tank run or mechanical fault?

 

For the latter, I'll guess Haas or Sauber. 

[danmills]

So who’s going to be the first team and driver to stop on track?

I’m going with Ferrari and Hamilton! Lol

 

I'm gonna vote Tsunoda.