Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap at the halfway point of the 2025 Formula 1 testing in Bahrain, clocking a 1:29.393. He was four-tenths quicker than ex-teammate George Russell in the Mercedes, with Carlos Sainz completing the top three in the Williams.

Hamilton switched to C3 tyres late in the session after testing Ferrari’s front wing with aero probes. Rain later disrupted proceedings, leaving most teams in the garage, except Haas and Williams, who had wet tyres. Ferrari has struggled in testing, with Charles Leclerc setting their fastest lap yesterday, placing fourth overall. This marks the first time Hamilton and Leclerc have driven the SF-25 on proper tyres, following last week’s Fiorano shakedown. The 40-year-old’s best lap surpassed Sainz’s 2024 benchmark, with Ferrari bringing 21 sets of C3 tyres, pre-ordered from Pirelli, according to BBC journalist Chris Medland.