The first day of the 2025 Formula 1 preseason testing at the Bahrain International Circuit was unexpectedly cut short Power Outagedue to a sudden power outage. This interruption brought all on-track activity to a halt, affecting teams, drivers, and fans watching closely as teams began preparing for the upcoming racing season.
A Sudden Stop to a Crucial Day
The blackout happened at around 5:00 PM local time, right as teams were ramping up their performance runs in the crucial afternoon session. The power cut was caused by a fault at an external electricity substation that serves the Bahrain International Circuit. This shut off floodlights around the track and knocked out power to vital systems like pit wall computers, garage electronics, and timing equipment.
Without power, the circuit became too dangerous for any cars to continue running. In response, the session was red-flagged, meaning all drivers had to return to the pit lane, and no further laps could be completed until the issue was resolved.
Darkness in the Desert
The timing of the outage couldn’t have been worse. Bahrain’s sessions are split between daylight and twilight, with much of the running in the late afternoon taking place under artificial lighting. As the sun dipped behind the desert horizon, visibility quickly dropped without the floodlights.
Mercedes driver George Russell described the moment with a mix of surprise and concern. “I came into the pits and told the team, ‘It’s getting dark, I need to change my visor!’” he joked. “Then I realized there were no floodlights at all. It was just pitch black. If it had happened an hour later, we wouldn’t have been able to run at all.”
Many teams scrambled to keep working in their garages using battery-powered lights and backup generators, while mechanics and engineers waited for the session to resume.
Quick Recovery and Extended Hours
Fortunately, power was restored just over an hour later. Electricity returned to the circuit around 6:10 PM, allowing the session to resume under the lights. To make up for the lost time, Formula 1 officials extended the afternoon session by one hour. Instead of ending at 7:00 PM as originally planned, teams were allowed to continue running until 8:00 PM local time.
This extra hour was vital for teams, many of whom had limited their morning running to focus on heavier fuel loads and longer runs. The afternoon is typically reserved for performance testing, simulating qualifying laps and lighter car setups.
Strong Showing from McLaren and Mercedes
Despite the interruption, there was still plenty of on-track action before and after the power cut. McLaren’s Lando Norris ended the day as the fastest driver, setting the best time of 1:30.430. This lap came in the final hour of the day, suggesting the McLaren team is finding good pace early in their 2025 campaign.
George Russell of Mercedes was close behind in second place, continuing what appears to be a solid start to the year for the Silver Arrows. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen took third place for Red Bull, running a steady but not overly aggressive program.
Before the blackout, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had posted the fastest lap and was showing promising signs of improvement from last year’s car. He eventually finished fourth overall.
It’s important to note that testing times don’t always reflect the real pace of the cars. Teams run different fuel loads, tire compounds, and strategies. Still, it gives fans and analysts a first glimpse at what may lie ahead.
Why This Matters
Preseason testing is the only time teams can freely test their cars on track before the real racing begins. With only three days of testing in total this year, every minute is precious. Interruptions like the power cut in Bahrain can throw off carefully planned programs, limit valuable data collection, and make it harder to finalize setups before the first race.
That’s why Formula 1, the FIA, and the circuit organizers will likely review the situation to make sure similar power failures can be avoided in the future. Modern F1 relies heavily on technology—not just in the cars, but in the infrastructure supporting the sport.
Teams Make the Most of Day One
Even with the delay, teams managed to complete a solid number of laps. Engineers focused on checking reliability, gathering tire and aerodynamic data, and understanding how their new cars behave under real conditions.
Fans also got a first look at some of the updated car designs for 2025, including new front wings, cooling vents, and slimmer sidepods. Each team is looking for every possible advantage under the tightly controlled technical regulations.
What’s Next
Testing will continue in Bahrain for two more days, giving teams additional opportunities to fine-tune their setups and address any issues. The track’s unique mix of high-speed straights, heavy braking zones, and abrasive tarmac provides a great testing ground for car performance.
All eyes are on the first race of the season, set to take place in Melbourne, Australia, on March 16. Until then, teams will be working around the clock to get ready.
For fans, the blackout was an unexpected twist—but also a reminder of just how complex and high-tech Formula 1 has become. Even the smallest disruption can cast a big shadow over the world’s fastest sport.
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