F1 2025 Testing: Bahrain start times, schedule, TV channels and live stream

After Formula 1's stunning car launch in London, all ten teams and their drivers are finally set to hit the track in Bahrain this week for three days of pre-season testing ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Set to be held at Bahrain International Circuit this year, pre-season is often an indicator of just where teams are at ahead of the season opener, which is set to be held in Melbourne, Australia in March.

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With no major regulation changes over the winter, cars are expected to converge even further, with several drivers and teams set to be in contention for both championships, making 2025 one of the most highly-anticipated seasons in some time.

Red Bull star Max Verstappen, for example, can make it five championships in a row after yet more success in 2024, but the likes of Lando Norris, new Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc, will be looking to stop him and snatch the glory for themselves. If Hamilton were to win the championship this season, it would be a record-breaking eighth crown, whilst for Norris, it would be a maiden title victory.

The McLaren star and his team very much know what it feels like to win the constructors' championship, however, having claimed that accolade in 2024.

Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes will all have eyes set on catching the papaya team this season, though, meaning there should be excitement right throughout the 24 grands prix and six sprints.

We cannot wait for the action to kick off in a few days and below, we've got all the details you need to know in terms of the schedule, timings, and how you can watch live.

F1 2025 testing start times and schedule

F1 testing ahead of the 2025 season gets underway on Wednesday, February 26 and is set to last through to Friday, February 28.

Please find all of the dates and session times below.

F1 2025 Testing - How to watch on TV

This week's testing at Bahrain International Circuit will be broadcast live each day, with various ways to watch.

For example, in selected countries, F1 TV Pro subscribers will be able to catch the action live on that platform. However, testing coverage will also be shown by different broadcasters around the world, depending on who owns the TV rights in your respective territory.

In the United States, ESPN holds the broadcast rights for F1 coverage and as such, testing will be available to watch in full on ESPN+.

To find out the F1 broadcaster for the 2025 season in your country, please see below.

What is F1 testing?

F1 testing provides three days for all ten teams to put their cars through their paces ahead of the season opener, which will be held in Australia this year.

Over the winter, teams will have designed new cars and/or components and testing is their first place to put them to the test on a real track.

Where is F1 testing?

F1 testing in 2025 is taking place in Bahrain at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Bahrain has hosted testing every year since 2021, with it previously being held at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

Which drivers will take part in testing?

All 20 F1 drivers signed up full-time for the 2025 season will take part in testing this year.

With just one car between each team, each driver will split the responsibility of putting the car through its paces. All teams are yet to reveal exactly who will be driving and when.

Can I watch F1 testing for free?

Highlights from each day of testing are likely to be available on the official F1 YouTube channel and these are free to watch for all fans.

READ MORE: F1 2025 Schedule: Key dates and US start times for EVERY race this season

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