First winter tests: Drivers’ work schedule

The first official winter tests of the season begin today in Bahrain. The three-day session will see teams split driving duties between their drivers, and those schedules have now been confirmed.

The test will run each day from 10:00 to 19:00 local time.

McLaren

Last season’s champion team will start today with Piastri in the morning, followed by Norris in the afternoon. The same schedule will be repeated on the third day. Tomorrow, however, Norris will drive in the morning, with Piastri taking over after lunch.

Mercedes

After covering the most mileage in Barcelona, Mercedes will follow a similar split to McLaren. On the first and third days, Russell will drive in the morning and Antonelli in the afternoon. On the second day, Antonelli will begin the program.

Red Bull

The team will not split driving duties over the first two days. Verstappen will drive the full day today, with Hadjar taking over for the entire second day. Only on the third day will Hadjar replace Verstappen after lunch.

Ferrari

Only Scuderia has yet to reveal its full three-day schedule. It is confirmed that Hamilton will begin today’s test, handing the car over to Leclerc in the afternoon. The plan for the remaining two days has not yet been announced.

Williams

Williams is the focus of attention after missing the five-day Barcelona test. They will follow a traditional split: today and on the third day Sainz will drive in the morning and Albon in the afternoon, while tomorrow the order will be reversed.

Racing Bulls

Red Bull’s sister team was the last to confirm its schedule. Rookie Lindblad will complete the full day today. Lawson will drive the entire second day. On the final day, they will split duties.

Aston Martin

After completing only 66 laps in Barcelona, these tests are crucial for the team. Stroll will drive today, Alonso tomorrow, and on the third day, Alonso will take over in the afternoon.

Haas

Having been impressed with strong mileage in Barcelona, Haas will begin with Ocon today. Bearman will take over tomorrow. On the final day, Bearman will drive first, followed by Ocon.

Audi

In their debut season as a works team, Audi faces a significant test. Today, on the third day, Bortoleto will drive in the morning, with Hülkenberg taking over in the afternoon. Tomorrow, Hülkenberg will complete the morning session.

Alpine

Last season’s underperformer showed promise in Barcelona. Today, Colapinto will drive in the morning and Gasly in the afternoon. On the following two days, there will be no split: Gasly will drive the full second day, and Colapinto the full third day.

Cadillac

Formula 1’s newest team will aim to improve on its Barcelona performance. Today and on the final day, Bottas will drive in the morning, followed by Pérez in the afternoon. Tomorrow, Pérez will drive in the afternoon, handing the car to Bottas for the morning session.