Formula 1 and the FIA confirm the date and venue for the traditional winter tests ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season
The date and venue for the 2025 Formula 1 winter tests have been confirmed: drivers and teams will test at the Bahrain International Circuit near Sachir in Bahrain from February 26 to 28, just before the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season. This is despite the fact that Bahrain will not host the first race of the 2025 season
In contrast to previous years, Melbourne in Australia will be the first race on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar: In consideration of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the Grands Prix in the Arab region – Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – are not scheduled in March, but in April.
How can the winter tests in Bahrain and the season opener in Australia be reconciled with Formula 1’s quest for greater sustainability? The racing series announced years ago that it wanted to achieve “net zero” emissions by 2030, which is why winter tests and the first race are often held at the same location. But this will not happen in 2025.
In a press release, Formula 1 writes: “As part of our sustainability efforts, a significant amount of freight will remain at the Bahrain International Circuit until Formula 1 returns to the Bahrain Grand Prix in April.” The racing series does not provide any further details
Why Formula 1 is testing in Bahrain
Bahrain is hosting Formula 1 winter testing for the sixth time and for the fifth time in a row. The stable weather conditions with high temperatures make the race track an ideal testing ground for new Formula 1 cars. However, the desert location also harbors certain risks: Sandstorms sometimes throw a spanner in the works for drivers and teams during testing.
Formula 1 winter testing is expected to be extended to nine days in 2026. The new technical regulations with modified vehicles and new drive systems will then come into force, which is why the teams will be given three times as many testing days. For cost reasons, Formula 1 limits itself to three days in other years.
It remains to be seen whether Melbourne in Australia or Sachir in Bahrain will open the Formula 1 season in 2026. Both circuits are contractually entitled to the first race, Australia specifically on four more occasions until 2035, as was decided in the most recent extension with Formula 1.