George Russell of Mercedes outperformed Max Verstappen of Red Bull in the final day of the 2025 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. The warmer weather on day three at the Sakhir circuit made for an exciting showdown as Russell’s leading time fell short of the impressive lap set by Williams’ Carlos Sainz on day two.
A Day of Surprises and Challenges
The day kicked off with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc leading the morning session, followed by Lewis Hamilton experiencing a tough final half-day of testing with his SF-25 facing multiple off-road incidents. Despite completing only 47 laps before retreating to the garage, Hamilton’s struggles added a layer of unpredictability to the day’s events.
George Russell, filling in for Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, made a significant impact by completing 91 laps, including a full race simulation. His performance was matched by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who showcased a remarkable edge over Russell’s W16, albeit in harsher conditions than the previous day.
Verstappen’s Late Surge and Final Showdown
Max Verstappen, despite not completing a full race run, displayed a strong performance late in the final session, overthrowing earlier leader Pierre Gasly to claim the top spot. Verstappen’s struggles with the balance of his RB21 mirrored the challenges of the mid-2024 season but ultimately culminated in a remarkable display of speed and precision.
As the day progressed, Alex Albon and Piastri also made their mark on the track, pushing the limits of their machines to secure competitive lap times. Esteban Ocon’s unexpected spin at Turn 1 added a touch of drama to the proceedings, highlighting the fine line between success and setback in the world of Formula 1.
In the final moments of testing, George Russell, after completing a grueling race simulation, returned to the track with a renewed vigor. With a set of C3 tires, Russell set the day’s benchmark time at 1m29.545s, showcasing his determination and skill in challenging conditions. Despite finishing 0.197s slower than Sainz’s impressive time on Thursday, Russell’s performance underscored his potential for the upcoming season.
As the day concluded, Hamilton secured the sixth-fastest time, followed by Yuki Tsunoda, Ocon, and Leclerc. The intense competition and unforeseen twists and turns of the pre-season testing in Bahrain set the stage for an exhilarating Formula 1 season ahead.
By Alex Kalinauckas, Formula 1 enthusiast and seasoned journalist, stay updated on the latest news and insights in the world of Formula 1 by subscribing to real-time email updates.
