As pre-season testing in Bahrain concludes, Formula 1 fans are left with more questions than answers following comments from two of the sport’s biggest stars, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Both drivers suffered significant disruptions on their final day on track that could have lasting implications for their respective teams as the new season begins.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was behind the wheel of the Red Bull for the entire final day of testing in Bahrain, but his day was not without its difficulties. Although Verstappen managed to complete just over 70 laps, the session was not easy. Red Bull had to make numerous adjustments to the car, forcing the Dutch driver to spend longer periods in the garage. Given that Verstappen was behind the wheel of the car all day, the total number of laps (70) seemed relatively low compared to the other drivers. For example, Williams’ Alex Albon managed to complete more than 120 laps in the same period – a stark contrast to Red Bull’s disrupted test session.

Red Bull’s problems were not limited to Verstappen’s test session. On the second day, his teammate Liam Lawson also had to contend with delays, as a water pressure problem prevented him from driving for much of the morning session. Despite these setbacks, there were also some positive moments for Red Bull. Verstappen ended the third and final day of testing with the second fastest time overall, proving that the car had potential despite the problems encountered.

One of the key observations regarding the team’s performance was that the Red Bull looked strong in the first and third sectors of the circuit, but struggled in the second sector, with a series of tight corners putting a lot of strain on the car. The car showed signs of oversteer and understeer, which could be a potential problem in the future.

Despite the problems encountered, Verstappen remains optimistic about the team’s chances for the upcoming season. However, he was quick to temper expectations, saying he did not expect Red Bull to be the fastest team on the grid at the season opener in Melbourne. Looking back on the tests, Verstappen said: “I think we had a good day. We had a few minor issues, but overall we achieved a lot of our goals. I think it was not bad, but at the same time there is still a lot to do.”

Although Verstappen remains confident, he acknowledges that Red Bull still has a long way to go. “Hopefully we’ll be ready for Melbourne, learn a bit more and see where we are,” he added. His realistic approach underlines the unpredictability of pre-season testing, where teams often don’t have a clearer picture until the competitive season begins.

On the other side of the paddock, Lewis Hamilton, who is competing in his first season with Ferrari, also had to contend with a disrupted final day of testing. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari after a long and successful career with Mercedes, was hoping for a smooth session to complete his preparation for the new season, but he struggled with issues on the final day that affected his track time.

Hamilton completed 47 laps, a respectable number but significantly fewer than his rivals. His test session began smoothly in the morning, but Hamilton was forced to wait in the garage for most of the afternoon, when track conditions were at their best. The final hours of testing, as the sun set and track temperatures were ideal for fast laps, were marred when Hamilton’s Ferrari team discovered an anomaly in the telemetry data.

Ferrari decided to bring Hamilton back to the garage as a precautionary measure and ended testing early. Although the exact cause of the problem was not disclosed, it was clear that the team did not want to take any risks so close to the start of the season. Ferrari’s decision to take Hamilton off the track underlined the importance of reliable data and safety even during the crucial pre-season testing phase.

For Hamilton, the setback was particularly frustrating as it was his first season behind the wheel of a Ferrari. Having spent his entire career with Mercedes, moving to a new team brings its own challenges and having his final day of testing cut short was undoubtedly a disappointment. Hamilton remained calm and focused, however, and understood the need for the team’s precautionary measures.

With both Verstappen and Hamilton struggling in Bahrain, the upcoming season promises to be unpredictable and exciting. Red Bull’s problems in testing were not catastrophic, but they did highlight some problem areas that could affect the team’s performance in the first races. Verstappen’s caution about the team’s chances in Melbourne suggests that Red Bull will work hard to resolve the issues before the first race. However, the team may not have the immediate advantage that many expected.

For Hamilton, the situation is more complex. As a seven-time world champion, his ability to adapt to new circumstances is undeniable. However, the technical glitches that arose during his first pre-season with Ferrari could prove to be an obstacle that will require time and patience to overcome. The team’s decision to abandon the test shows that Ferrari is exercising caution. However, it remains to be seen whether that caution will pay off in the form of a competitive car.

As the teams head to Melbourne for the season opener, Verstappen and Hamilton are keen to put the challenges of testing behind them and focus on real competition. While testing can provide valuable information, the true hierarchy only becomes apparent on race day. The 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of uncertainty and anticipation in the air.