The annual post-season test is set to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. This will be the last time the 2024 cars are in action before the focus shifts to the next generation of Formula 1 vehicles. There’s a lot to look forward to during this test day, especially as several drivers will be driving for their new teams for the first time.
The post-season test is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, two days after the concluding Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi. Teams and drivers will return to the Yas Marina Circuit for some crucial test miles. The test was first organized in 2009 and has been held annually in Abu Dhabi since 2010. Current drivers are not required to participate, but those making a transfer in 2025 can get a head start on acclimating to their new environment. By stepping into their new employer’s car, they can get a first impression of a different vehicle.
In addition to the established names, young talents will also be in action. Each team is required to make one of the cars available to a rookie, defined as a driver with no more than two Grand Prix starts. The second car is usually driven by a regular driver and used for testing Pirelli tires. As the technical regulations for 2025 remain largely unchanged, the upcoming post-season test serves as an important benchmark for the teams.
Who’s Taking Action?
In 2025, several drivers are switching to different teams, making this year’s post-season test particularly intriguing. For instance, Carlos Sainz will be driving for Williams for the first time, as Ferrari sacrifices the Spanish star for Lewis Hamilton. Nico Hülkenberg will also be making his debut with Sauber, while Esteban Ocon steps into a Haas for the first time.
Hamilton, however, is not taking this opportunity to get a ‘taste’ of Ferrari. He has chosen to conduct private tests later in the year at the Fiorano circuit, the Italians’ home base. Lastly, it’s interesting to note that Yuki Tsunoda is stepping in at Red Bull. The Japanese driver has never before had the chance to prove himself with the main team. He is still vying for promotion, along with teammate Liam Lawson.
Here’s an overview of all the drivers who will be in action at the Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday:
| Team | Tire Test | Young Driver Test |
| McLaren | Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri | Pato O’Ward |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc | Antonio Fuoco |
| Red Bull | Yuki Tsunoda | Isack Hadjar |
| Mercedes | George Russell | Andrea Kimi Antonelli |
| Aston Martin | Felipe Drugovich | Jack Crawford |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | Jack Doohan |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon | Ryo Hirakawa |
| Visa RB | Liam Lawson | Ayumu Iwasa |
| Williams | Carlos Sainz | Luke Browning |
| Sauber | Nico Hülkenberg | Gabriel Bortoleto |
