The return of the Australian Grand Prix as the Formula 1 season’s opener has stirred both excitement for fans and challenges for teams. This adjustment in the calendar places significant weight on the upcoming three-day test in Bahrain, which kicks off this Wednesday evening. While Bahrain has long hosted pre-season tests, since 2021 it has also held the season-opening race a week later.
Previously, teams could stay set up in Bahrain’s pit lane post-test to refine their cars without needing to transport them until after the race. Now, however, they must break down their setups and ship everything to Melbourne, leading to complications, as highlighted by Red Bull’s team principal Laurent Mekies. “It’s perhaps trickier than testing and racing back-to-back,” he noted. This logistical challenge underscores the need for teams to maximise track time, particularly as they strive to evaluate changes and new parts under pressure, with a tight turnaround before practice begins in Albert Park.
This shift benefits fans by ensuring more cars spend extended time on the track. Every lap becomes crucial for teams to gather data on new components, as they won’t have clarity on any performance improvements until they return to Bahrain post-Easter. If reliability issues arise, the consequences could be significant, potentially hindering teams’ performance throughout the season.
With a major regulations overhaul slated for 2026, teams must make substantial advancements in the first half of the year. Strong preseason testing could solidify a team’s standing, as those who lag behind might divert focus to next season rather than salvaging their current campaign. While 2026 promises to shake up the grid, continuity in the 2025 regulations suggests that the current leaders may remain dominant.
As the season begins, McLaren is anticipated to be a favourite for the drivers’ and constructors’ titles, with Lando Norris showing impressive form and Oscar Piastri emerging as a contender. The Australian grid welcomes Jack Doohan at Alpine, who faces pressure to deliver results quickly due to the team’s financial instability.
Ferrari fans are also eager to see Lewis Hamilton in the team’s colours, especially after Ferrari’s improved performance late last year. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen will be joined by new teammate Liam Lawson, whose presence may shed light on previous questions around Sergio Perez’s performance.
In summary, while the upcoming test in Bahrain is pivotal for teams adjusting to a new race schedule, it promises an exciting season ahead as fans are set to witness intense on-track action commencing shortly, with daily sessions kicking off at 5:50 pm AEDT.