The first free practice for the Abu Dhabi GP has concluded. A total of six rookies stole the spotlight during this initial practice session at the Yas Marina Circuit. Max Verstappen, who announced this morning that he is becoming a father, did not participate. Formula 2 driver Isack Hadjar clocked the fifteenth time in his car. Charles Leclerc was, for what it’s worth, the fastest in Abu Dhabi.
In the lead-up to the season finale and the post-season test, a host of new names appeared during the first free practice at the Yas Marina Circuit. Of course, Jack Doohan made his debut: the Australian is already driving Esteban Ocon’s car this weekend. From 2025, he will be a permanent driver for Alpine. In addition to Doohan, six more rookies appeared on the grid.
Arthur Leclerc, Charles’ younger brother, is taking over Carlos Sainz’s car. Additionally, Ryo Hirakawa is stepping in at McLaren, Ayumu Iwasa at Visa RB, Luke Browning at Williams, and Felipe Drugovich at Aston Martin. Isack Hadjar, who could secure the Formula 2 title this weekend, is driving Max Verstappen’s car. However, the French-Algerian driver had problems with the RB20 in the first few laps. Over the team radio, he complains that his knees are hitting the steering wheel, which quickly results in a spin.
Mercedes Shows Speed
Meanwhile, Mercedes is showing speed on the asphalt in Abu Dhabi. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton quickly top the time sheets on the medium tires. The 26-year-old Brit, who is at odds with Max Verstappen, clocks a time of 1:25.571 within a few minutes. Lando Norris is hot on his heels. The McLaren driver must defend his second place in the championship this weekend. Charles Leclerc, who has closed the gap to just eight points, does not take to the track in the first half of the free practice. A problem with the battery of his SF-24 throws a spanner in the works.
After half an hour, Lewis Hamilton improves on his teammate’s time. However, Russell then tries the softest tires and is once again the fastest. Lando Norris goes one better and completes a lap in 1:24.542. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc takes to the track and immediately makes history – two brothers compete for the same team in an official session. However, it takes a while for the Ferrari boss to match his rival’s time. Only in the final phase does the Monegasque go two-tenths under Norris’s time. Moreover, he is two seconds faster than his brother! This first session proceeds calmly, although some drivers are concerned about the strong wind.
Of all the rookies
