2025 F1 Post-Season Test: Teams and Drivers Gear Up for Crucial Data Collection in Abu Dhabi

The 2025 Formula 1 season has officially concluded, but the competitive spirit continues with the post-season test taking place today in Abu Dhabi. All ten teams are participating in this crucial event, which includes both a Pirelli tyre test and a Young Driver Test. This test is particularly significant as it allows teams to gather essential data ahead of a major regulatory overhaul set for 2026.

Among the notable participants, Isack Hadjar will be driving for Red Bull as he prepares for his full-time move to the senior team next season. His seat at Racing Bulls will be taken by Arvid Lindblad, a graduate from Formula 2, who is also gearing up for his debut in Formula 1.

McLaren

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will take the wheel for McLaren during the post-season test. Norris recently celebrated his first championship title, while Piastri finished third in the standings. IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, who serves as a test and reserve driver for McLaren, will also participate in the Young Driver segment of the session.

Mercedes

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will represent Mercedes in the test, sharing Pirelli testing duties. Both drivers participated in the recent Grand Prix and are looking to gather valuable data. They will be joined by Frederik Vesti, the 2023 Formula 2 runner-up, who has previous experience in this test from last year.

Red Bull

Isack Hadjar will be testing the RB21, ahead of his promotion to the senior Red Bull team for the 2026 season. Hadjar had a strong rookie season with Racing Bulls and aims to transition smoothly into his new role. He will be accompanied by Ayumu Iwasa, the 2025 Super Formula champion, who is also getting another opportunity with the team after participating in Free Practice 1 earlier this year.

Ferrari

Ferrari will have Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on track, both of whom are focused on preparing the team for the 2026 season after a challenging year that saw them finish fourth in the standings. Dino Beganovic, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, will also participate, having had a successful Formula 2 season that included a win and a seventh-place finish in the standings.

Williams

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon will be driving for Williams, who finished fifth in the Teams’ Championship this season. Luke Browning, who concluded his Formula 2 campaign in fourth place, will take part in the Young Driver Test, aiming to impress the team and secure a future F1 seat.

Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson will provide continuity for Racing Bulls as he prepares for the 2026 season, while Arvid Lindblad will also be in action following his promotion. Lawson finished sixth in his debut F2 season and has already driven the RB21 in previous outings.

Aston Martin

Stoffel Vandoorne, a former McLaren driver, will be testing for Aston Martin. Vandoorne has recently competed in Formula E and the World Endurance Championship. He will be joined by Jak Crawford, the F2 runner-up, who is getting another chance to drive the AMR25 after previous tests.

Haas

Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon will share driving duties for Haas during the test, alongside Ryo Hirakawa. Hirakawa has already participated in multiple Free Practice 1 sessions this season, gaining valuable experience.

Sauber

Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will represent Sauber, with both drivers getting additional laps before the team transitions to Audi. Paul Aron, an Alpine reserve driver, will also join the team for this test, having previously driven for Sauber in Free Practice 1 earlier in the year.

Alpine

Pierre Gasly will take one last turn in the A525 for Alpine, while Kush Maini will participate in the Young Driver Test, marking his first official appearance in modern F1 machinery. Maini has been involved in the team’s Testing Previous Cars program and simulator work as part of his role in the Alpine Academy.

Why is this test important?

The final day of running in 2025 provides teams and Pirelli with the opportunity to collect vital data before the season ends and ahead of significant regulatory changes for 2026. This test is also a critical chance for drivers like Hadjar and Lindblad to familiarize themselves with their new teams and cars, gaining insights into team dynamics and operational procedures. For rookies such as Beganovic and Browning, this is an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially secure future F1 seats.

As reported by www.formula1.com.

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Published on 2025-12-09 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk