Bahrain F1 testing session: Red Bull to send Max Verstappen out first at Sakhir circuit. Max Verstappen will take to the track for the first session of Bahrain testing.

F1 Bahrain Test: Verstappen Hits the Track First

The wait is almost over—just five days remain until the Bahrain tests, the first real benchmark for the 2025 season after months of speculation, expectations, and market moves that, while official, are still sinking in. Now, it’s time for action, and in recent years, that action has favored Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion.

The Dutchman will want to gauge the pace of the RB21 against its rivals right from the start and will be on track for the first session on Wednesday morning. This was revealed by journalist Erik van Haren, a reliable source when it comes to the world champion. Super Max will then hand over the car to Liam Lawson on Wednesday afternoon before returning to the cockpit on Thursday. The New Zealander will have the entire final day, Friday, to himself for the last testing runs at the Sakhir circuit.

It’s important to remember that these are the only tests before the season kicks off at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne on the weekend of March 16. Drivers will have three sessions (a total of 12 hours) to familiarize themselves with the car and fine-tune key elements, at least for the early part of the season.

Before official testing, Red Bull will conduct a shakedown and filming day for the RB21 on Tuesday. Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson will take to the track for the first time with the 2025 car at the Bahrain circuit, where they’ll be allowed to cover up to 200 km.