Red Bull sets date for RB21 track debut in Bahrain

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Red Bull has announced that its 2025 F1 contender, the RB21, will make its track debut at the Bahrain International Circuit on Tuesday, February 25th, for a filming day shakedown.

The roll-out will take place just one day before the start of Formula 1’s pre-season testing programme at the same Sakhir circuit.

Verstappen will log his first miles in the RB21, while Lawson will get his first taste of Red Bull machinery ahead of his official debut with the team.

The filming day allows teams to complete up to 200km on Pirelli demonstration tyres, as per regulations.

No Traditional Launch Event

Last season, the team conducted its initial running at Silverstone, but wet weather limited track time.

Red Bull has previously confirmed that it will forgo a traditional car launch. Instead, the team's 2025 livery will be unveiled alongside all other F1 teams at a special F1 launch event at the London O2 Arena on February 18th.

The one-off happening, hosted by F1 to celebrate its 75th anniversary, means several teams, including Mercedes and Red Bull, have opted to head straight to Bahrain for testing before revealing their 2025 car designs.

Teams like Ferrari and Williams, however, are still planning their own individual launch events.

Addressing RB20’s Balance Issues

Red Bull aims to resolve the balance issues that hampered the latter half of its 2024 campaign with the RB21.

However, like all teams, it faces the challenge of balancing development on its current car with preparation for Formula 1’s major regulation changes set for 2026.

With the first shakedown now confirmed, Red Bull will look to check the systems on its new contender before pre-season testing begins in earnest on 26 February, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.