F1 LIVE | First day of winter testing in Bahrain gets underway

The winter break is coming to an end, as the world of F1 gets back into the swing of things in Bahrain for winter testing today! The 20 drivers and 10 teams will start the first of three days at the Bahrain International Circuit, with everyone keenly anticipating who will be the fastest and most impressive. With it only being the first test, no team will show its full potential, but these will be the clearest indicators before the Australian Grand Prix.

One driver who everybody will be hugely anticipated for will be Lewis Hamilton getting behind the wheel of his brand-new Ferrari. There have been a few tests done by the seven-time World Champion at the Pracing Horse, but he rest in the desert of Bahrain will be the first indicator of what the Brit can do at his brand-new team as he begins his hunt for his record-breaking eighth world title.

Hamilton will not be the only Brit many others will have their eye on, with Lando Norris being another. The McLaren driver was the closest rival to Max Verstappen in 2024, and he sealed the papaya-coloured teams' first team title since 1998, with their being a lot of intrigue to see if he can go one better in 2025. Of course, many people will also be keen to see what the Dutchman and his new RB21 will show in Bahrain too, with Verstappen aiming for a fifth-consecutive world title.

There will also be a lot of rookies to keep on eye on throughout the three days of winter testing, with five of them all getting their 2025 F1 campaigns up and running. Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be one to watch behind the wheel of the new Mercedes, with the German team hoping he and George Russell can bring them back into title contenders this year.