5 questions ahead of F1 2025 preseason testing

The 2025 season makes its unofficial start with preseason testing in Bahrain from Wednesday to Friday.

Here are five questions we hope get answered during three days of testing:

1. How is Lewis Hamilton progressing at Ferrari?

Nothing at preseason testing will get more buzz than Hamilton driving a cherry-red Ferrari. The seven-time champion, fresh off his move from Mercedes, underwent an extensive testing program this winter break to accelerate his acclimation with his new team. His move to the legendary Italian team has already been a commercial hit, the likes of which F1 hasn't seen in a while, but success will ultimately be determined by the stopwatch. Just how comfortable is Hamilton in a Ferrari-powered car at this stage? And what is the gap - if there is one - between him and teammate Charles Leclerc? Time is ticking until Australia, meaning it will be crucial for Hamilton to spend as much time as possible behind the wheel during the Bahrain preseason tests.

2. Will McLaren be in a league of its own?

The 2024 constructors' champs appear intent on taking home both titles in 2025. The release of McLaren's car, the MCL39, makes it clear that the team will attempt a big leap this season. The suspension on the car is a noticeable step further with an increase in anti-dive. McLaren's been the king of development in recent years, and you can bet the majority of the paddock will be keeping an eye on the MCL39. It wouldn't be surprising, however, if the car is packed with its fair share of sandbags during preseason testing to keep its true pace hidden.

3. Did Red Bull reverse 2024 slump?

Red Bull escaped with the drivers' title last year largely due to the Max Verstappen effect and the other front-runners tripping over their own feet. Red Bull's RB20 lost its dominance almost overnight in 2024, but it was able to end the year on a strong note, with Verstappen winning two of the final four races. Has the Milton Keynes factory corrected the fatal flaws of the RB20, which included suspension limitations, a narrow operating window, and correlation gremlins? It's been a quiet break for Red Bull as McLaren and Ferrari soaked up all the limelight, but Bahrain's testing might give us an idea of whether the RB21 will work with Verstappen instead of against him.

4. Who looks like the best of the rest?

The top four teams in 2025 will almost surely be McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, though the exact order remains to be seen. The actual mystery is how the pecking order from fifth to 10th shapes up. Aston Martin ended last season as the best of the rest despite a one-sided driver pairing, but the Silverstone-team finished the year in horrid form. Alpine was the biggest riser among the pack at the end of 2024, scoring 52 points over the last five races while Aston Martin, Haas, RB, Sauber, and Williams combined for 42 points. Will the French team carry over that form? Williams is also a threat to capitalize on any available opportunities for points with an impressive driver lineup that now features the talented Carlos Sainz. The success of Haas and Racing Bulls, formerly RB, will likely be dictated by the pace of Ferrari and Red Bull, respectively. The midfield has the potential to feature some of the toughest battles of the season.

5. Which rookie will progress the fastest?

Six full-season rookies will occupy race seats in 2025, each with a talented teammate to serve as the benchmark. The best first impression will be determined by which of the rookies gels into their environment the quickest. Soaking up on-track time will be crucial for the likes of Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, and Ollie Bearman. Liam Lawson already has 11 grand prix under his belt, but the mileage will still be important for him as he steps into Red Bull's second seat, which has been a pressure cooker for drivers since 2019. There isn't a rookie driver who can afford to miss any track running due to a crash or mechanical issue.