Olly Darcy is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 news. With a background in sports journalism, he delivers timely and reliable coverage of the sport.
Lando Norris topped the timing sheets on the first day of winter testing in Bahrain to kick off the 2025 Formula 1 season, with the top six times all done by drivers in the afternoon session.
The Brit, who sealed McLaren's first constructors' title for the first time since 1998 in 2024, looked to be continuing where he left off from last season, leading the way when the chequered flag fell.
The afternoon session was extended by an hour, allowing the ten drivers to catch up on some testing after a power cut at the Bahrain International Circuit brought out the red flag and delayed proceedings for about 60 minutes.
Behind the papaya-coloured McLaren was the Mercedes of George Russell, with Max Verstappen and Red Bul rounding out the top three.
Charles Leclerc and his former teammate Carlos Sainz rounded out the top five, with Pierre Gasly coming in P6 ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who set the fastest time in the morning session.
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The Racing Bul of Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto in the Sauber, the Haas of Esteban Ocon, and Lance Stroll in the Aston Martin ended the session in P11, P12, P14 and P16, respectively.
Full Bahrain Winter Testing Day One results:
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