F1 fans spot major absence at pre-season testing after FIA controversy

Mohammed Ben Sulayem talking with Max Verstappen in Hungary — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 fans spot major absence at pre-season testing after FIA controversy

F1 fans have spotted a huge absence at pre-season testing in 2025

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Wednesday 26 February 2025 22:54

F1 fans have spotted the absence of team radio during pre-season testing in Bahrain, after the FIA toyed with the idea of banning the iconic race feature.

The FIA announced further punishments for swearing over the winter break, including increased fines and even a race ban, with Adrien Fourmaux the first driver to receive these stricter punishments during the World Rally Championship in Sweden.

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In an additional bid to clampdown on the use of foul language by drivers, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also warned that they could remove team radio from F1 television broadcasts altogether.

The proposed change prompted controversy, with team radio a popular feature of F1 race weekends, allowing fans to hear the passion and emotion of drivers during the heat of an on track battle.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has clamped down on swearing

Team radio is a frequent feature of F1 weekends

If you fancy experiencing the thrills of F1 in style, grab your hospitality tickets by clicking here to go to any of the grands prix on the 2025 calendar!

Team radio cut during F1 pre-season testing

Ahead of the 2025 season, all 10 teams will undergo testing in Bahrain from February 26-28, with fans on social media noting the absence of team radio during its running.

"No team radio so far, but I am enjoying how they have exclusive access to his onboard," one fan wrote on X.

"No team radio?" another fan asked seemingly disappointed.

Whilst there were a few instances of team radio communication as the rain began to fall in Sakhir, on the whole these exchanges were absent from day one of testing.

The lack of team radio has not been explained by F1, however the limited broadcast could be because teams want to keep testing details private from their rivals.

Furthermore, drivers will be offering feedback on their 2025 cars via team radio, which may not provide the same entertainment value as the racing action audiences have become accustomed to.

How to watch F1 pre-season testing on TV

Coverage of F1 pre-season testing from the Bahrain International Circuit will be live on Sky Sports and Sky Go in the UK.

Broadcast details vary depending on your location. Please check below to see how you can catch the action.

Country	Broadcaster(s)
United Kingdom	Sky Sports
United States	ESPN+
Australia	Kayo, Foxtel
Spain	DAZN F1
France	Canal+, Canal+ Sport
Germany	Sky Deutschland
Canada	TSN+
Netherlands	Viaplay
Italy	Sky Italia
Japan	Fuji TV

F1 TV Pro subscribers can also tune in for pre-season testing in select regions.

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Written by

Sheona Mountford - F1 Journalist

Sheona Mountford is a motorsport journalist specialising in F1. As a writer and contributor, she covers a wide range of motorsport series from F1 to F1 Academy, responsible for breaking news, live race coverage and in depth analysis of the sport and the culture around it.

View full biography

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