In the opening F1 practice session of Abu Dhabi GP weekend, Mercedes’ George Russell topped the time sheet, as 10 rookie drivers got behind the wheel on Friday afternoon.
The British driver, set the pace with fastest lap of 1:26.072, and will be looking to bring a positive conclusion to the season this weekend in Abu Dhabi with his 8th place finish guaranteed for the year.
Red Bull Racing switched out one reigning champion for another as 2023’s Formula E Champion, Jake Dennis took part in the opening practice session, replacing three-time and current F1 World Champion, Max Verstappen. Dennis finished 16th on the timesheet in the 2023 championship-winning car.
Current F2 Championship leader Theo Pourchaire got a taste of F1 in the weekend’s opening practice session, replacing Alfa Romeo’s Guanyou Zhou before he returns to the support pits for this afternoon’s F2 qualifying session.
Aston Martin reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich stood in for two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, managing to put in the second-fastest time just behind Russell, while Alpha Tauri’s Daniel Ricciardo placed third on the timesheet as the Australian looks to conclude the season in style.
The F1 grid will be back in action in Abu Dhabi for second practice at 5.00pm UAE time.