Lewis Hamilton Tops Bahrain Pre-Season Testing While Rain Causes Delays
Lewis Hamilton dominated the Formula 1 Bahrain Pre-Season Test on Day 2, setting the fastest lap time of 1m29.379s before rain disrupted the session. The Mercedes F1 driver outpaced Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s struggling RB20, while George Russell secured second place on the timesheets.
Hamilton Leads, Ferrari & Red Bull Face Challenges
Hamilton became the first driver to break into the 1m29s during pre-season testing at Bahrain International Circuit, demonstrating Mercedes’ strong pace. His best lap time of 1m29.670s was later improved by three-tenths, signaling promising performance ahead of the 2025 F1 season.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s new recruit Carlos Sainz was working on long-run pace before the Bahrain weather conditions forced him back to the garage. In contrast, Red Bull Racing faced reliability issues, limiting their track time.
Rain Disrupts Bahrain F1 Testing – Limited Running for Teams
Unexpected rain in Bahrain caused a near-hour-long pause in testing, impacting teams’ ability to complete their Formula 1 pre-season testing programs.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) both struggled for grip at Turn 11, experiencing oversteer moments.
- Only Aston Martin and Haas had intermediate tyres, allowing Esteban Ocon (Haas F1 Team) to test wet track conditions briefly.
- George Russell (Mercedes) was the first to return on slicks, pushing the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit limits despite damp conditions.
F1 Testing Day 2: Final Morning Session Standings
| Position | Driver | Team | Best Lap Time | Tyre Compound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1m29.379s | C3 |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1m29.879s | C3 |
| 3 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1m30.080s | C2 |
| 4 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1m30.245s | C3 |
| 5 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1m30.312s | C1 |
| 6 | Yuki Tsunoda | RB F1 Team | 1m30.410s | C3 |
| 7 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1m30.520s | C3 |
What’s Next? Afternoon Session & Full-Day Analysis
With rain delays affecting the morning session, teams are expected to maximize long-run simulations in the afternoon session.
- Mercedes F1 Team looks strong, with Hamilton and Russell setting top times.
- Ferrari’s focus shifts to race pace, aiming for consistent lap times in the Bahrain heat.
- Red Bull Racing hopes to resolve reliability issues, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez expected to run later.
As teams prepare for the Bahrain Grand Prix 2025, F1 fans can expect more updates on performance insights, car development trends, and top speed analysis from the Bahrain pre-season test.
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