F1 2025 Post-Season Test Lineups Confirmed for Abu Dhabi

The final on-track action of 2025 unfolds Tuesday at Yas Marina Circuit as all 10 F1 teams participate in the mandatory post-season test. This session serves dual critical purposes: gathering data for 2026's radical new regulations and evaluating emerging talent, with Lewis Hamilton making his first official run for Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc.

Why it matters:

This isn't just a ceremonial wrap-up. The test directly shapes F1's future through Pirelli's tire development for 2026's ground-effect cars and provides teams their last opportunity to assess potential 2026 race drivers before critical off-season decisions. With regulations overhauling chassis and power units, the data collected could influence competitive balance for years.

The details:

• 2026 Tire Development: Each team fields one car modified to simulate next-generation aerodynamic loads and weights. These cars will run specific tire allocations: one set of C2, three sets each of C3, C4, and C5 compounds to help Pirelli finalize 2026 specifications.
• Young Driver Focus: The second car per team is reserved for drivers with two or fewer Grand Prix starts. These prospects use current-spec 2025 tires (two sets C3/C5, four sets C4), prioritizing evaluation over pure speed.
• Notable Appearances:
  • McLaren fields Pato O'Ward (IndyCar star) instead of a traditional junior, signaling serious 2026 consideration
  • Ferrari tests Dino Beganovic while running both Leclerc and incoming driver Hamilton
  • Williams combines Carlos Sainz's debut with Luke Browning's evaluation after his F2 success
  • Red Bull's junior program showcases Isack Hadjar and Ayumu Iwasa in both test roles

What's next:

The data gathered will directly inform Pirelli's 2026 tire construction and compound choices, with teams using insights to refine early 2026 chassis concepts. For drivers, standout performances could secure race seats: O'Ward's McLaren run may accelerate his F1 timeline, while Beganovic and Browning need strong showings to challenge for 2026 roles. Teams like Stake F1 face pressure to convert this test into concrete progress after a difficult season, with Paul Aron needing to prove his potential. With technical regulations freezing early 2025, this session represents the last major development window before 2026's competitive reset—making every lap a strategic investment in the future.