The post-season test in Abu Dhabi is in full swing, providing teams and drivers an opportunity to make their first strides in new environments. Rookies and young talents also get the chance to impress. During the morning session, Carlos Sainz, who made his debut for Williams, stood out, finishing at the top of the list. The morning proceeded without any notable incidents.
A Strong Start for Sainz
Sainz, who moved to Williams after leaving Ferrari, demonstrated on Tuesday morning why the team recruited him. With a time of 1:24.435 and 60 completed laps, the Spaniard not only recorded the fastest time but also showed impressive pace and consistency. His former teammate at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, followed in second place, while McLaren driver Lando Norris clocked the third fastest time.
New Collaborations
The morning session was marked by changes. Esteban Ocon made his official debut for Haas, having skipped the season finale in Abu Dhabi for Alpine. Although the Frenchman began his new adventure with enthusiasm, he recorded the slowest time of the morning. Ocon completed 46 laps and gathered valuable data for his new team.
Nico Hülkenberg, who made the switch to Sauber, completed 63 laps and set a solid pace with a seventeenth time. Jack Doohan was able to continue his preparation for the new season at Alpine and finished in a respectable fourth place, just ahead of Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti.
Disappointment for Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli, the Italian top talent, was supposed to make his first laps for Mercedes, but had to withdraw due to illness. In his place, Vesti took over the wheel. Vesti, representing the rookies, impressed by setting the fastest time among the debutants. It is now known that Antonelli will attempt to participate in the afternoon session.
