F1 Bahrain Test, a blackout takes center stage and interrupts afternoon session. A blackout interrupted the afternoon session of the F1 tests in Bahrain.

A blackout interrupted the afternoon session of the F1 tests in Bahrain just as six hours of running had been completed.

These tests are for everyone, not just the drivers and teams. They also serve as a test for the entire organization surrounding the first trials of the 2025 World Championship. A blackout interrupted the afternoon session of day 1 of testing in Bahrain, leaving the garages and circuit without power for 35 minutes. Mechanics even had to work on the cars using smartphone flashlights.

The failure occurred at 15:04 Italian time, just as the sixth hour of testing at the Sakhir circuit had been reached, naturally bringing out the red flag and forcing drivers back to the pits.

The blackout may have stopped the on-track action, but it sparked the teams’ sense of humor, with Mercedes quick to react in this regard.

Last year’s Bahrain tests also faced disruptions: 12 months ago, a manhole cover was lifted during the session by the passage of Lewis Hamilton, causing a two-hour stoppage.