Three days of pre-season testing – done!
The next time George and Kimi get behind the wheel of W16 it will be for the first free practice session of the 2025 F1 season at Albert Park, Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix.
Bahrain, as is customary, played host to pre-season testing as our driver duo took to the track in W16. For George, testing for his fourth as a Mercedes works driver, while for Kimi it was his first in F1.
The team at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth have worked tirelessly in the winter months to bring W16 to life and the drivers were grateful for the efforts.
A positive three-day programme – in which the team completed more laps that any other team (458) – has given the team the requisite data and learnings to prepare for Melbourne.
And despite delays for a power outage, a shuttle bus on the track and a shattered pane of glass on the start-finish line, the team returns the UK with valuable information to debrief.
We spoke to George – who topped the timesheets as testing drew to close – Kimi, and Shov afterwards to get their thoughts.
458 | Total laps |
232 | George laps (1,255km) |
226 | Kimi laps (1,223km) |
1:29.545 | George’s fastest lap (C3) |
1:29.784 | Kimi’s fastest lap (C3) |
George: “We’ve had a productive three days here at pre-season testing in Bahrain. The team at Brackley, Brixworth, and here trackside have done a great job to have us ready for the test and rack up a significant amount of mileage. We’ve had a seamless three days, and the car is running well. It is no surprise to see some of our competitors, particularly McLaren, looking strong. We’ve compiled significant data and knowledge which gives the opportunity to find further improvements ahead of
“Melbourne. Kimi and I will be in the factory next week, driving on the simulator, and everyone will be pushing flat out to ensure we bring our best to Australia. I can’t wait to get started!
Kimi: “Overall, it’s been a good three days on track here in Bahrain. It’s been a positive test, and we’ve built our knowledge of the W16 with plenty of running. There were a few interruptions and red flags that delayed our programme, but we got through everything we wanted to.
“The conditions have also been mixed, with cold and windy conditions particularly on the first two days. That has made it even more difficult than usual to get an idea of the competitive order, but we have just focused on our own work and are pleased with what we’ve achieved. We can now go away, look through the data and continue to work on how we can bring the best race car possible to the first race in Melbourne in two weeks’ time.
“From my own perspective, I’ve enjoyed getting out on track for the first time as a Mercedes works driver. It’s been good to continue building my experience of working with the team and furthering my preparations for my rookie season. I’m excited to get to Melbourne now and get the 2025 season properly under way.”
Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin: “We’ve had a solid three days of pre-season testing here in Bahrain. The team has worked hard over the winter to improve on the weaknesses of the W15 and, from the initial signs, we seem to have made good steps in those areas with our 2025 challenger.
“Despite a few red flag interruptions and some rain, we’ve managed to get through most of the programme. It is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Brackley and Brixworth that we were able to complete the most laps of any team over the course of the test.
“Over the next week, we will pick through that data to assess areas of improvement and to bring the most effective race car we can for the first race in Melbourne in two weeks’ time.
“It is of course far too early to make an accurate prediction of the competitive order. However, we can be pleased with how the test has gone and look forward to heading to Australia to begin the 2025 season.”