F1 LIVE | The first free practice session for the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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The Formula 1 circus has arrived in Abu Dhabi, and that traditionally means the last Grand Prix of the season. Also for the last time in 2023: a first free practice session. It is therefore the reason that many teams are allowing rookies to sit in the cars this morning to comply with the FIA guidelines. Follow all of the action with this liveblog.
F1 LIVE | FP1: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The ten teams in the premier motorsport class must give a rookie two first free practice sessions every year. In this case, a rookie is someone who has a maximum of two races to his name in Formula 1. This rule was created to reduce the step from Formula 2 to F1 and thus promote the flow of talent.
All teams know the Abu Dhabi circuit well so this is a good time to put the rookies to work. There is enough data from this track, and two free practice sessions are enough for the drivers to prepare for Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race in the desert. FP1 is also the least representative because it takes place before sunset. Qualifying and the Grand Prix will be completed under floodlights.
During FP1, we see many new names, no Max Verstappen and no Lewis Hamilton. Sergio Perez is also giving up his seat at Red Bull Racing. Isack Hadjar and Jake Dennis take their place in the RB19. Frederik Vesti does that in Hamilton's W14. At Ferrari, Robert Shwartzman replaces Charles Leclerc for an hour, while at McLaren Lando Norris can keep an eye on Pato O'Ward's actions from the pit box.
See here which other rookies will be in action for the other teams.