The Abu Dhabi tests conclude with Charles Leclerc setting the fastest time, ahead of Sainz and Russell, while Antonelli finishes 5th

As the sun sets over Yas Marina, the test day in Abu Dhabi comes to an end, officially marking the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season and offering a preview of what we can expect to see starting next March at Albert Park.

The Abu Dhabi test sessions concluded with Charles Leclerc setting the fastest time, 1:23.510, ahead of Carlos Sainz and George Russell. Leclerc was +0.811 seconds faster than his own lap time set during last Friday’s first free practice session on the same Yas Marina circuit. Behind the Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz made his debut as a Williams driver, posting a time just +0.125 slower than his former teammate, a 1-2 that might evoke memories of Ferrari’s past. Completing the top three was Mercedes’ George Russell.

While the regular drivers tested the homologated Pirelli tires for next season, the rookies on track – taking the chance to drive some of the world’s fastest cars – used the same tire compounds that were used during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend.

Among the newcomers who had the chance to experience Formula 1, Gabriel Bortoleto stood out. The Brazilian driver, who won the Formula 2 Championship last Sunday, immediately got behind the wheel of the Sauber, the team he will race for next season. He finished in 18th position, while his new teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, posted the 4th fastest time, between the two Mercedes drivers.

After bidding farewell to Lewis Hamilton on Sunday, Mercedes gave Andrea Kimi Antonelli the opportunity to test the W15 during the afternoon session. The Italian set the 5th fastest lap, just +0.346 seconds behind George Russell, who was in 3rd place. Meanwhile, Frederik Vesti, Mercedes’ reserve driver, finished 22nd, ahead of Antonio Fuoco and his Ferrari SF-24. Joining Ferrari’s number 16 driver and the team’s WEC driver was Charles Leclerc’s younger brother, Arthur, who returned to the track after participating in Friday’s first free practice session.

For Oliver Oakes’ team, two rookies took to the track: Jack Doohan, fresh off his F1 debut with Alpine at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Paul Aron. The two finished 8th and 9th, ahead of their former teammate Esteban Ocon, who made his first appearance for Haas, the team he will race with next season alongside Oliver Bearman.

Bearman, however, did not participate in the end-of-season tests as a rookie. Having already raced in three official Grand Prix (Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Brazil), he was no longer considered a “rookie.” Instead, Haas gave Ryo Hirakawa the opportunity, and he finished the day in 12th position. After celebrating the return of the Constructors’ Cup to Woking, McLaren also took part in the Abu Dhabi test, with their regular drivers as well as reserve driver Pato O’Ward. The team ended the day with O’Ward in 7th, Lando Norris in 16th, and Oscar Piastri in 19th.

Ayumu Iwasa and Liam Lawson brought their Racing Bulls home in 6th and 13th, respectively. For Lawson, this test session was another chance to show Milton Keynes that he could fill the seat alongside Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez continues to face competition for his increasingly precarious seat, with Yuki Tsunoda testing the RB20 and finishing 17th, while the other Red Bull was driven by Isack Hadjar. Aston Martin also had rookies in action, with Jak Crawford and Felipe Drugovich.

Abu Dhabi Test Results: Times and Laps

1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:23.510 (134 laps)
2. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:23.635 (146 laps)
3. George Russell (Mercedes) – 1.23.789 (134 laps)
4. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) – 1:23.859 (113 laps)
5. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:23.873 (62 laps)
6. Ayumu Iwasa (RB) – 1:24.100 (110 laps)
7. Pato O’Ward (McLaren) – 1:24.222 (116 laps)
8. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 1:24.286 (137 laps)
9. Paul Aron (Alpine) – 1:24.275 (121 laps)
10. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 1:24.305 (119 laps)
11. Luke Browning (Williams) – 1:24.375 (105 laps)
12. Ryo Hirakawa (Haas) – 1:24.435 (133 laps)
13. Liam Lawson (RB) – 1:24.440 (159 laps)
14. Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:24.576 (68 laps)
15. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 1:24.632 (125 laps)
16. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:24.678 (84 laps)
17. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 1:24.689 (127 laps)
18. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 1:24.738 (130 laps)
19. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:24.838 (72 laps)
20. Jak Crawford (Aston Martin) – 1:24.997 (109 laps)
21. Felipe Drugovich (Astin Martin) – 1:25.010 (146 laps)
22. Frederik Vesti (Mercedes) – 1:25.159 (55 laps)
23. Antonio Fuoco (Ferrari) – 1:25.238 (73 laps).

Photos: Scuderia Ferrari HP, Formula 1.