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Leclerc tops F1 post-season test, Sainz second with Williams
- Nicole Mulder
Charles Leclerc finished the post-season test in Abu Dhabi as the driver with the fastest lap. The Monegasque was a tenth faster than his former teammate Carlos Sainz, who recorded the second quickest time on behalf driving for Williams. George Russell set the third fastest time in the last official Formula 1 session of the year.
Leclerc fastest ahead of Sainz and Russell
The test consisted of the 'Pirelli Tyre Test' and the 'Young Driver Test' this Tuesday. All F1 teams used one car with compounds from C2 to C6 as prescribed by Pirelli, while the other car was driven by a rookie (=a driver with less than two Grands Prix in the competition). For several teams, therefore this was an important session to prepare their next full-time drivers for the upcoming season.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli was supposed to drive for Mercedes in the morning, but was replaced by Frederik Vesti as he was still ill. In the afternoon, the young Italian did suit up for his new team however. Also, Charles Leclerc and Arthur Leclerc were once again temporary teammates in the afternoon session. Yuki Tsunoda got his first chance in Red Bull Racing's RB20 and recorded the 17th time, finishing behind Isack Hadjar and Lando Norris.
Esteban Ocon drove his first kilometres for Haas, while Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto made their debut at Sauber. Jack Doohan drove in the test on behalf of Alpine after his debut race in Abu Dhabi. During the morning session, Carlos Sainz was fastest in his Williams. He eventually finished the day in P2, behind Charles Leclerc and ahead of Russell.
Full results F1 post-season test in Abu Dhabi
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sárközi
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