Russell quickest in FP1 ahead of Drugovich in Abu Dhabi

George Russell was the fastest in FP1, with a lap time of 1:26.072. Felipe Drugovich impressed for Aston Martin, as the Brazilian finished in second place. The Top 3 was completed by Daniel Ricciardo in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit.

FP1 in Abu Dhabi was hardly an indicator of what is to come later this weekend, but it was useful for multiple different reasons. Teams were able to gather data for the upcoming season, and young drivers could test and improve their skills.

George Russell was the quickest in the session with a 1:26.072, while out of the young drivers, Felipe Drugovich completed the fastest lap time, finishing in P2. The second quickest test driver was Robert Shwartzman, who finished in P8.

As it happened

Drivers began FP1 on the mediums, except for the two Ferraris, who opted for the soft tyres. Jake Dennis had the first problem of the day out of the young drivers, who instantly had to return to the pit lane after his helmet was not fitted properly.

Patricio O’Ward almost lost the back of his car exiting the final corner, but the IndyCar driver was able to control his car ahead of a flying lap. O’Ward was not the only one testing their limits, as Frederik Vesti lost traction in Sector 2 and Jack Doohan ran wide in Turn 1.

Later on, Theo Pourchaire also had trouble with bottoming in the first three corners, similarly to many other drivers. Furthermore, Jack Doohan was close to running into the back of Logan Sargeant’s car, as the Williams driver was late to let the Australian pass. Following the session, Sargeant will be investigated for driving erratically by the stewards.

After half an hour, more teams started to fit on soft tyres, including Mercedes, Williams, and Haas. On a set of soft tyres, Zak O’Sullivan drifted wide exiting the last corner, but he could hold onto his car. Not only the young drivers had trouble with the final corner, Lance Stroll and later Carlos Sainz completed the same manoeuvre as well. In the dying minutes of the session, Isack Hadjar almost ran into the back of Lance Stroll's Aston Martin on the first of the two long straights. The Canadian driver will also be investigated for driving erratically.

Most teams completed their final stints on soft tyres as well, but George Russell was able to hold on to his lead in FP1 as he finished the session on a set of medium tyres.