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Verstappen takes the Championship fight to Bottas with fastest time in FP1

11 December 2020 at 10:22
Last update 11 December 2020 at 10:35
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  • Louis Shaw
  • Editor

Max Verstappen topped the timesheet in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and is on track to take the fight to Valtteri Bottas for P2 in the Championship this weekend. Esteban Ocon had a good session and finished P3 behind Valtteri Bottas who came in P2. 

It was a largely uneventful session but there were plenty of talking points...

Lewis Hamilton returned to the grid after his positive COVID crisis last week and finished the session down in P5. He'll be looking to rebuild his confidence after a week out and will get faster and faster throughout the weekend. 

Alex Albon has a mixed session and spun at Turn 12. He did not damage anything but the narrative continues about him potentially losing his seat for next season. He finished FP1 P4 and will hope to impress when it counts. 

Daniel Ricciardo was forced out of the session due to a mechanical issue which is believed to be something to do with fuel flow. Renault confirmed that the Aussie was using a Friday engine so will hope to be back running this afternoon. 

It will annoy Ricciardo that he was unable to run as his teammate, Esteban Ocon, had good pace and finished the session P3. Things are looking good for Renaut this weekend!

Mick Schumacher made his F1 debut with Haas and had a good clean session for the team he will race for next season. He finished P18 and got a good taste of what is to come next year.