The three-day test, which is the last opportunity for teams to collect on-track data on their vehicles before the opening race on March 2 at the same site, gives teams unlimited running time within a specific time frame.
– A full guide to Formula One’s preseason testing
It is the first time the public has had the opportunity to properly view and analyze the designs of the ten teams’ new race cars.
Red Bull chief Christian Horner, who is under investigation for unethical behavior that jeopardizes his job on the team, is present at the circuit and will address the media in a press conference on Thursday.
Aside from the Horner controversy, Red Bull’s radical new vehicle design will be a talking point, especially since it won 21 of 22 races last year. McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes, and Ferrari are all seeking to close the gap on the world champions this year.
Red Bull and Max Verstappen are attempting to win their third consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Mark Thompson/Getty Images.
The test should provide a good picture of the competitive order heading into the first race.
Teams are only authorized to operate one car at a time, thus drivers exchange tasks throughout the test.
Typically, drivers will leave the exam with around a day and a half of running experience. Teams can either use one driver all day or switch drivers after the specified lunch break.
The start of the test brings a conclusion to a rollercoaster offseason that has included Lewis Hamilton’s surprise 2025 move to Ferrari, Guenther Steiner leaving Haas, and Andretti’s bid to enter the grid as an 11th team being rejected.
Wednesday’s running order
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen
Mercedes: George Russell
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc/Carlos Sainz.
McLaren: Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris
Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso/Lance Stroll
Alpine: Esteban Ocon / Pierre Gasly
Williams: Alex Albon / Logan Sargeant
RB: Yuki Tsunoda/Daniel Ricciardo.
Stake: Valtteri Bottas.Zhou Guanyu
Haas: Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg
