Ferrari on Tuesday filled the top three places on the timing screens in Formula One’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi as the sport looked to the future with grand prix veterans and newcomers alike starting work with new employers.
Carlos Sainz was quickest for Ferrari ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, with both race regulars taking turns in the one F1-75 car and focusing on Pirelli’s tires for next year.
Israeli test driver Robert Shwartzman was third-fastest in the other Ferrari and did 116 laps, the equivalent of two grand prix distances.
Photo: EPA-EFE
Spain’s double world champion Fernando Alonso, 41, made his track debut with Aston Martin after leaving Renault-owned Alpine, while 35-year-old Nico Hulkenberg began his comeback with US-owned Haas.
“Today was about learning the tires for 2023, learning their characteristics, and with these test days you have a bit more time to try stuff,” said Hulkenberg, whose last full season was in 2019 with Renault.
“I coped better than expected to be honest, so that’s good,” he said. “There’s now three months of hard-core preparation to get ready. I have a plan and I know what I have to do.”
Australian rookie Oscar Piastri tested for McLaren alongside teammate Lando Norris, while Frenchman Pierre Gasly settled in at Alpine following his move from Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri, who welcomed Dutch driver Nyck de Vries in his place.
“We did a lot of laps and experimented a lot, which is exactly what today is all about. I’ve got a good idea where to improve for next year,” Piastri said. “I really enjoyed it, it’s nice to be back out on track finally and experience the 2022 cars.”
Gasly was fourth-fastest, with Red Bull’s double world champion Max Verstappen fifth after taking over the car from teammate Sergio Perez.
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