The 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing heated up on the final day at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, with a morning session packed with events. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s driver, led the pack with an impressive 1m30s, cementing himself as the standout performer of the day. However, the session wasn’t defined solely by track performance. Notable incidents, like the Haas once again shedding parts to leave it “naked” and Max Verstappen flashing a middle finger toward the Williams pitwall, stole the spotlight. Meanwhile, Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Sauber, wrapped up in 9th place, hampered by issues that limited his data collection. The morning also saw a red flag in the final minutes due to broken glass on the track, highlighting the unexpected twists that shook up the grid.
Among the contenders, Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes and Lando Norris of McLaren rounded out the morning’s top three, trailing Leclerc closely. The session revealed strengths and weaknesses across teams, with Ferrari displaying consistency while McLaren struggled with strong winds. Another key moment was Lance Stroll’s replacement by Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin after the Canadian reported feeling unwell. Completing just 35 laps, Bortoleto’s performance was undercut by a damaged floor from an off-track excursion. These varied episodes painted a dynamic picture for the season’s start, promising plenty of excitement ahead.
Known for its demanding conditions, the Sakhir circuit pushed drivers and teams to their limits. The mix of high temperatures, unpredictable winds, and a challenging layout exposed both the potential of the cars and the flaws still needing fixes. Leclerc’s lead, Haas’s setbacks, and Verstappen’s antics were just some of the elements that made this morning unforgettable for fans of the sport.
Leclerc shines as Haas repeats failure in Sakhir
Charles Leclerc wasted no time showcasing Ferrari’s strength in pre-season testing. Early in the session, the Monegasque clocked 1m32s715, only to drop into the 1m30s range after a few laps, setting a tough benchmark for the morning. His performance reflects Ferrari’s intense off-season work, which seems to have dialed in a promising setup for the 2025 car. Leclerc’s consistency in both flying laps and race simulations bolsters expectations that Ferrari could be a frontrunner when the season kicks off.
While Leclerc excelled, Haas faced an embarrassing repeat. Just half an hour into the session, Oliver Bearman’s car lost a significant chunk of bodywork, exposing internal components. The issue, a repeat from the team’s shakedown, raises red flags about the American outfit’s reliability. The sight of the “naked” car circling the track sparked chatter on social media and among pitlane engineers, underscoring the urgent need for fixes before the championship begins.
McLaren’s struggles with the wind also stood out. Lando Norris, who finished 3rd, battled instability through several corners, particularly in the windier sections. Though competitive in calmer conditions, the papaya-colored car appeared vulnerable to gusts, a potential weak spot for the British team. Engineers were spotted poring over data post-session, hinting that aerodynamic tweaks will be a priority in the coming days.
Verstappen stirs controversy as Bortoleto faces setbacks
Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion, grabbed attention for more than his on-track efforts. During a long-run simulation on C3 tires, the Dutchman was caught on camera gesturing a middle finger toward the Williams pitwall. Captured amid heavy traffic, the move’s trigger remains unclear. Verstappen, prioritizing race pace over qualifying-style laps, ended the morning outside the top spots, but his actions might reignite discussions about his on- and off-track demeanor.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the lone Brazilian in the pre-season lineup, had a mixed morning. Representing Sauber, the 20-year-old completed 35 laps and posted the 9th fastest time. His efforts were hampered by an off-track moment that damaged his car’s floor, disrupting critical data gathering for the team’s final tweaks. Despite the hiccup, Bortoleto showed promise in his early F1 outings, drawing scrutiny from engineers and international media. Sauber, aiming to climb from recent tough seasons, sees potential in the young driver.
Unforeseen disruptions hit the session too. At 7:15 a.m. local time, a red flag halted action for about 15 minutes. A piece of glass, possibly from a bottle, landed on the track, prompting a swift cleanup by safety crews. Though quickly resolved, the incident underscored the random variables that can crop up on a challenging circuit like Sakhir.
Pre-season timeline and highlights in Bahrain
Testing in Bahrain follows a rigorous schedule to prep teams and drivers for the season. The morning session on the last day, held on February 28, 2025, was just one slice of a broader plan. Here’s a rundown of key moments so far:
- Day 1: Emphasis on adapting to new cars, with Verstappen topping early runs.
- Day 2: Tire testing took center stage, as Leclerc began showing consistency.
- Day 3 (morning): Leclerc takes charge, Haas falters, and Verstappen sparks talk.
The afternoon promises more action, with teams set to run full race simulations and fine-tune setups before the season opener. Leclerc’s morning pace gives Ferrari a mental edge, but the evening runs will be key to locking in trends.
Odd incidents that defined the morning
Beyond lap times, the morning session delivered moments that fueled conversation. Haas couldn’t dodge negative headlines. The bodywork loss wasn’t just a technical glitch—it was a public spectacle, with Bearman’s car limping along visibly compromised. The shakedown repeat piles pressure on a team striving to solidify its mid-field status.
Aston Martin’s driver swap caught eyes too. Lance Stroll, slated for the morning, felt ill, paving the way for Fernando Alonso to step in. The 43-year-old Spaniard jumped into action fast, though his track time was cut short by the final red flag. Stroll’s condition wasn’t specified, but the team noted he’d be assessed before returning.
Lastly, the glass on the track added an odd twist. Its source wasn’t pinpointed, but the disruption in the last 30 minutes forced teams to rejig plans. A final red flag soon after wrapped the session early, leaving some teams short of their planned runs.
What to watch for in the Sakhir afternoon
With the morning done, focus shifts to the afternoon session, which should shed more light on the 2025 pecking order. Ferrari, buoyed by Leclerc’s form, will aim to hold its pace, while Red Bull, with Verstappen at the helm, might chase quick laps to counter the Monegasque’s dominance. McLaren gets a shot at dialing in its car for windy conditions, a test that could shape its early season.
For Gabriel Bortoleto and Sauber, the afternoon offers a chance to rebound. With the morning’s floor damage in play, the team is hustling to fix it and get the Brazilian more laps. His showing will be vital to gauging his fit in a stacked field. Teams like Haas also face heat to iron out mechanical woes and dodge further embarrassment.
Bahrain’s pre-season, with its surprises and insights, is already setting the stage for what’s to come. Sakhir proves once again to be the ideal testing ground for pushing drivers and cars to the brink, as fans eagerly await the season’s official start.