Summary of the Friday in Abu Dhabi: Verstappen quickest in FP1, Bottas wins FP2

The last race weekend of 2020 was kicked off today in Abu Dhabi. With two free practice sessions and a series of press conferences, there is plenty to look back on before tomorrow's final free practice and qualifying session. Listed here are the most remarkable stories to emerge from and around the grid today.

This morning Max Verstappen managed to put the eventful first free practice to his name with a time of 1:37.378. In the second session, the Dutchman recorded a time that was good for third place, and only had to give in to the Mercedesses of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. However, when the Dutchman seemes to be out on a quicker run, the red flag fell: the engine in the back of Kimi Raikkonen's Alfa Romeo had caught fire, and the Finn was forced to put the car aside immediately.

Also today, Mick Schumacher made his debut at a Formula 1 racing weekend. During the first free practice, Kevin Magnussen had to make place for the young German, who has managed to secure a seat with the Haas team for next season. Team boss Guenther Steiner has expressed that he is pleased with Schumacher’s first few laps during a race weekend. 

Today it was also announced that 2019 Formula 2 champion Nyck de Vries will make his debut in a Formula 1 car during the young driver test. On 15 December, de Vries will have the opportunity to take a test ride in the Mercedes, the team which he is currently representing in Formula E. On Twitter, the Frisian driver shares his enthusiasm at being given the opportunity to make his F1 debut.