Lando Norris of McLaren set the fastest lap time on the first day of 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, despite a mid-session power outage causing a significant delay.
Norris clocked a 1:30.430s in the afternoon session, completing 52 laps.
The day was divided into two sessions, with the afternoon running seeing the most action, albeit with a notable interruption.
Around the halfway point of the afternoon session, as dusk began to settle, a sudden power cut plunged the circuit into darkness, halting proceedings for approximately 30 minutes.
Prior to the interruption, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc held the fastest time. However, once the session resumed, Norris surged to the top of the timing sheets.
George Russell of Mercedes finished second, just 0.157s behind Norris, completing 70 laps. World Champion Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, secured third place with a time of 1:30.674s after 74 laps. Leclerc ended the day fourth, with a time of 1:30.878s and 71 laps.
Carlos Sainz, making his first public appearance for Williams, demonstrated strong pace, completing 68 laps and setting a time of 1:30.955s, placing him fifth. Pierre Gasly of Alpine finished sixth, followed by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who set his fastest time in the morning session, placing him seventh overall.
Liam Lawson, who was second fastest in the morning session, ended the day in eighth place. Alex Albon, also setting his time in the morning, finished ninth. Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the top 10.
Isack Hadjar, Tsunoda’s teammate, recovered from a spin to finish 11th. Gabriel Bortoleto, making his debut for Sauber, placed 12th. Lewis Hamilton, whose fastest time was set in the morning session, finished 13th.
Jack Doohan, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Oscar Piastri, and Nico Hulkenberg filled the remaining positions. Esteban Ocon, in his first official outing for Haas, managed 88 laps but finished 17th.
Oliver Bearman, Ocon’s teammate, finished last, also setting his time during the morning session.
