At the start of Formula 1 testing in the desert of Bahrain, Lando Norris set the fastest time in unexpectedly cool temperatures. However, the issue of the day is a power failure.
26.02.2025, 20:02
26.02.2025, 20:30
SDA
The first of three days of testing on the desert circuit in Sakhir did not go as planned for the teams in many respects. The opening session took place in strong winds and unusually cool temperatures, and it even rained in the evening.
And just as dusk was setting in, a power failure caused a hectic situation in the paddock. It was good that the generators could be put into operation so that the teams did not run the risk of losing the valuable data they had collected up to that point.
Top teams in front
After a wait of over an hour, the first day of testing was finally completed under floodlights. There were no surprises at the top of the rankings. World championship runner-up Lando Norris in the McLaren set the best time ahead of George Russell in the Mercedes, followed by world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari - the four best teams from last year were therefore in the top four places.
Hülkenberg with a scary moment
Team Sauber's new driver duo lined up in the second half of the rankings. Gabriel Bortoleto was a good half a second faster than Nico Hülkenberg in the morning. The Brazilian Formula 1 rookie and the German veteran finished 12th and 18th respectively in the C45, which is still painted a poisonous green. Hülkenberg had to end the morning session a little earlier than planned after a small splinter flew into his eye while he was sanding the underbody of his car.
The times and placings on the test days are only of very limited significance, as the teams and drivers complete different programs. The 2025 World Championship season starts on March 16 in Melbourne and comprises 24 Grands Prix.
