The Formula 1 season drew to an exciting close at the Abu Dhabi post-season test, with Charles Leclerc leading the charge. The Ferrari driver clocked the fastest lap of the day, leaving a formidable impression as he outpaced his rivals at the Yas Marina Circuit. This test served as an opportunity for teams and drivers to experiment with Pirelli’s 2025 tyre compounds.
Leclerc’s Commanding Performance
In the inviting, cooler temperatures of the afternoon, Leclerc registered the day’s quickest lap, a striking 1m23.510s, while completing an impressive 134 laps. His commanding pace dethroned Mercedes’s George Russell, who also logged the same number of laps. This result was not only a testament to Leclerc’s skill but also to Ferrari’s readiness for the upcoming season.
Sainz Impresses on Williams Debut
Carlos Sainz, who made his official debut for Williams, showcased remarkable talent by securing the second-fastest time. Sainz completed 146 laps, proving his competitiveness in the 2024 season and setting the stage for his future with Williams.
Notable Performances and Debuts
Nico Hulkenberg, driving for Sauber, put in a solid performance to earn fourth place with his first day behind the Sauber wheel. Meanwhile, Mercedes newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli marked his name with a fifth-place finish, despite using 2024 tyres as were required for all rookies.
The test also witnessed Esteban Ocon switching from Alpine to Haas, finally taking the wheel after sitting out the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ocon ended the day tenth, showcasing adaptability to his new VF-24.
Eager Rookies and Testing Highlights
F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto debuted with Sauber, indicating that the next generation of racers is ready to make their mark. Furthermore, Yuki Tsunoda enjoyed a first-time experience in a Red Bull car, completing 127 laps. This gave him valuable insights into the performance of the championship-winning team.
McLaren’s Pato O’Ward also gained testing experience with the current world champions, completing multiple full race distances.
Test Atmosphere and Future Prospects
Though the test concluded under a brief red flag due to unknown reasons, it was otherwise smooth and highly productive. Teams gathered valuable data, which will be crucial for Pirelli as they refine the 2025 tyres.
The post-season test marked the end of the F1 racing calendar, setting the stage for the 2025 season. Testing resumes in Bahrain from 26-28 February, with the season opener slated for Melbourne’s Australian Grand Prix on 16 March.
The session’s timing and results—even though they lack exact information on tyre compounds and fuel loads—suggest an exciting season ahead. With drivers like Leclerc and Sainz already showing competitive potential, fans can anticipate fierce battles when the racing kicks off in March.
