F1 Test: Lewis Hamilton Positiveness softened by the Failed Ferrari, McLaren and Randornoris Favorites? | F1 News

After a three-day preseason test in Bahrain, Sky Sports F1 Analyze important topics from the event.

Hamilton’s aggressiveness was mitigated by Ferrari’s false finale

Much of the predictions ahead of this new Formula One season are centered around Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, and the hype certainly showed no signs of waning in Tests.

We had already seen his iconic first photo at Maranello. I saw it driving in an old car. We had heard his initial thoughts on what early life was like with F1’s most famous team, but this week he was always trying to provide quick answers to one of his biggest questions.

The first morning’s handful of off-track moments became a slightly crude start in Bahrain for Hamilton, but he set the quickest time to the second of his second outing, and then he said he “really enjoys the SF-25.”

He went ahead of the afternoon run on the last day, saying, “I think this is the most positive feeling I’ve had in a long time.”

At the same time, Hamilton repeatedly emphasizes that, just six weeks after his big new career adventure, he needs to learn a lot about not only the new Ferrari cars but also their environment and working practices. Certainly, he has to absorb so much new information, and he explains that it is one of the “importance” every day at Ferrari.

At a lunchtime press conference on the same Friday, he spoke with enthusiasm to complete the team’s first race simulation when he joined the track. But perhaps in the first set-off against his preparation, it never happened at all with his afternoon running 47 laps and Ferrari finishing his tests a little early on the garage screen.

What if any, what will the slow loss of Hamilton and Ferrari’s long run towards the first truly big moment of their relationship in Melbourne?

McLaren stands out after Norris Stint

Test headings are often generated the fastest, but the most information is often hidden elsewhere.

Over the course of three days, there was one run that caught the eye of those studying rap-by-lap data, particularly those who were studying rap-by-lap data, belonging to McLaren’s Randnoris.

On Thursday afternoon, he compiled a race simulation. This is sure to be the team that will be joining the new season with the real-life constructor champion.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella tried to run the run as she noted that the situation was the best, but the other championship hopes were running as well, unable to keep up with Norris’ pace.

“Norris is an outlier.” Sky Sports F1 Karun Changduk said at the time. “It’s very fast in his final stint.”

From its release on February 13th at Silverstone until its ever been released, I have confidence and assurance on everything McLaren has said and done.

This is in stark contrast to the past few years, suggesting that Rand Norris and Oscar Piastri don’t need to catch up this time.

Regarding noise from Red Bull

Entering the test, the two teams expected it to pose the greatest threat to the constructor’s crown defense. It was Ferrari and Red Bull.

Ferrari had moments, showing no match for Norris’ race simulation before Hamilton’s Friday afternoon issues, but it still seemed there was plenty of aggressiveness emanating from the Italian team’s camp.

For Red Bull, who was very strong in the 2023 and 2024 Tests, the 2025 experience was a striking contrast as most people gave Verstappen the title before the opening race.

All drivers struggled to handle the issue from time to time, especially in overstated situations, but Red Bull needed special attention.

Both Verstappen and Liam Lawson were spinning, but more importantly, they struggled regularly to maintain control of the RB21.

Verstappen showed some pace on Friday evening, but was framed by Mercedes Russell. This may not have been thought of in recent years, even considering the various engine settings and fuel levels possible.

But perhaps the most memorable one was a phrase that came from Pierre Watch, technical director of Red Bull, in the post-event release.

He said: “It wasn’t as smooth as we had expected.

No guarantees are guaranteed, but such a statement would suggest that Red Bull will start the season on the hind legs, at least compared to what they are used to.

Antoneri shines among rookies

Of the six “rookies” featured in the Test, there was definitely one who attracted a bit more attention than the others – Andrea Kimmi Antoneri.

The 18-year-old Italian was chosen by Totowolf as a generational talent, and early signs were positive.

By all accounts and to those who know anything about him, Antonelli had a pace very quickly.

There were sloppy moments, but there are definitely plenty of this season as he hones his offensive driving style, but Antonelli has shown it is enough to suggest that Wolf will not regret his gambling.

“I think there’s a special magic that shines with you Antoneri.” Sky Sports F1 Karun Changduk said.

Lawson was solid, but there were signs on the Gulf between the New Zealander and his teammate Verstappen. His job is to gradually close it.

Oliver Bearman’s Best Time of the Week was ranked last, but it didn’t tell the full story as Britt was denied the opportunity to perform a performance amid some of Haas’s issues.

Sauber’s Gabriel Boltret and Racing Bulls’ Isaac Hajar both appeared to have made solid progress in their orbit.

Paddock’s words were that Jack Doohan could not dispel any unfortunate speculation about his future at Alpine.

Alpine, Williams is on the right track

Briarthor’s ruthless streak can only be encouraged by the fact that his alpine team appears to be on top.

After the gloomy first half of 2024, Enstone Squad is set to start this season in a much better way, potentially fighting the usual points in the front midfield.

They are a team with similar recent stories, at least in terms of shape, and are leaning towards fighting them for the best positions remaining.

The issues exposed by crashing chaos due to lack of parts from last season seem much more organized this time.

Carlos Signe appears to have quickly settled into life with his new team, and there is no doubt that the high-quality lineup he forms alongside Alex Albon will be difficult to beat other midfield teams.

In contrast, Aston Martin’s great start to drop off to the 2023 season is set to plunge deeper after a disastrous test.

Adrian Newey has a lot to do when he takes on a role with the team next week, but even the legendary designer may embrace 2025 as a cause that has lost it and focus his energy on new regulations next year.

When was your first F1 race?

For the first time since 2019, the season opener will be held in Melbourne, the Australian Grand Prix, from March 14th to 16th. The first race was switched from Bahrain to Australia as Ramadan takes place during March.

There are 24 events on the 2025 F1 calendar, with the same numbers as last year, and the season will end at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 5th and 7th.

Watch all 24 race weekends at the 2025 F1 season live show, starting at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14th-16th. Stream Sky Sports Now – No Contract, Cancel Anytime