In a fitting conclusion to an electrifying 2024 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc set the pace during the Abu Dhabi post-season test, narrowly edging out his former teammate Carlos Sainz, who made a spectacular debut for Williams Racing. The day showcased a blend of seasoned veterans adapting to new machinery and promising rookies stepping into the spotlight.
Leclerc Leads, Sainz Stuns in First Williams Outing
Leclerc’s best time of 1m23.510 ensured Ferrari ended the year on a high note, but the real story of the day was Sainz, who clocked just 0.125s slower in his first official outing for Williams. The Spaniard completed a mammoth 146 laps, showcasing not only his adaptability but also Williams’ growing potential after an impressive development year.
Sainz’s transition from Ferrari to Williams marked one of the most anticipated moves for 2025. After a brief filming run on demonstration tires the day before, the Abu Dhabi test allowed him to push the FW46 to its limits, providing crucial feedback to his new team.
“It was a productive day, and I’m excited to see what we can build on this winter,” Sainz shared. “The car has some clear strengths, and I’m already thinking about areas where we can improve.”
New Beginnings: Hulkenberg Impresses for Sauber
Nico Hulkenberg, now with Sauber, adapted quickly to his new environment, finishing fourth-fastest with a time of 1m23.789. The German driver notched over 100 laps, making the most of his first day with the team after departing Haas.
Mercedes Experimentation with Russell and Antonelli
George Russell took third place on the timing sheets with 1m23.674, while Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti filled in for rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the morning. Recovering from illness, Antonelli eventually logged 62 laps in the afternoon, impressing with his adaptability despite the setback.
O’Ward and Piastri Shine for McLaren
Pato O’Ward delivered another strong showing for McLaren, ending the day seventh and completing 116 laps. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri also took turns in the team’s tire test car, with Norris causing one of the day’s few disruptions after spinning at Turn 14.
Rookie Showdown: Doohan vs. Aron
Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Paul Aron took full advantage of the testing day, racking up 137 and 121 laps, respectively. Aron, fresh off being named Alpine’s reserve driver for 2025, impressed by finishing just 0.007s off Doohan’s pace in his first run in a modern F1 car.
Tsunoda and Lawson Highlight Red Bull’s Depth
Yuki Tsunoda had his first chance in a Red Bull, completing 127 laps and finishing just 0.011s behind Norris. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson led the day in mileage with a staggering 159 laps, potentially his last outing with Red Bull as the team evaluates its 2025 driver lineup.
American Talent and Rookie Standouts
For American fans, Jak Crawford made a strong impression in the Aston Martin, setting a time of 1m24.997, just edging out teammate Felipe Drugovich. Williams’ rookie Luke Browning and Haas’ Ryo Hirakawa also turned heads, finishing 11th and 12th, respectively.
Clean Running with Few Interruptions
The day was remarkably smooth, with just a handful of incidents, including a late red flag for a barrier inspection. Otherwise, teams maximized the opportunity to gather data for the upcoming season, setting the stage for an intriguing 2025 campaign.
Looking Ahead: Momentum into 2025
As the dust settles on 2024, the Abu Dhabi test provided a glimpse of what’s to come. With new team dynamics, rookies ready to make their mark, and the first real hints of next year’s machinery, fans can look forward to an exciting 2025 season.
