Sainz and Williams fastest on second day of pre-season testing

Published on 27 February 2025 by Stefan Meens

Carlos Sainz was quickest on the second day of Formula 1 pre-season testing. The Williams driver set a 1:29.348 in the afternoon, lapping the Bahrain International Circuit three hundredths faster than Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari driver clocked his best lap in the morning session.

The majority of teams - Ferrari, Haas, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls and Sauber -  used the afternoon to run race simulations, including pit stop practice and runs on a variety of tyre compounds. It meant that Williams and Sainz were able to cling onto the top spot on the timing sheets at the end of the second practice day in Bahrain.

For Oracle Red Bull Racing, the afternoon was all about making up for lost time. Liam Lawson’s running during the morning was limited due to a technical issue. In the afternoon, the Kiwi was able to complete several long runs in the new RB21 and claw back some of the missed track time earlier in the day.

On Friday, the third and final test day, reigning world champion Max Verstappen will take over driving duties and will participate in both the morning and afternoon sessions.