Red Bull’s Max Verstappen heads into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend with a chance of taking his first ever title. And the Dutch driver got his weekend off to the best possible start, heading first practice as title rival Lewis Hamilton took P3.
Verstappen stopped the clocks at 1m 25.009s, lapping the Yas Marina Circuit some 12s faster than he managed in the same session last year. There was a good reason for that time reduction too, with the track having undergone major changes designed to improve racing and make the lap more flowing.
AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from first practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Meanwhile, Jack Aitken returned to the cockpit for Williams, keeping his nose clean as he took over George Russell’s car, marking his first F1 return after a serious sportscar accident at Spa-Francorchamps earlier this year.
Enjoy highlights from FP1 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
What is the weather forecast for the British GP?
Keanu Reeves to front new Cadillac documentary series
F1 FantasyWin tour of McLaren’s Technology Centre with F1 Fantasy
What tyres will the teams and drivers have for the British Grand Prix?
Power RankingsWho delivered perfection at the Austrian GP?.webp)
Driver marketWhy have Alpine enquired about Bottas' availability?