Abu Dhabi – EL1: The Mercedes are well present, the rookies are making their mark

The Mercedes confirm their good momentum. A little less than a week after their double in Brazil led by George Russell, the Silver Arrows took the first positions on the timesheet for this first free practice session in Abu Dhabi.

On the track, it's Lewis Hamilton who “dominated” the debates with a best lap of 1'26"633. The Englishman first completed two stints on hard tires for a total of 17 laps before switching to softs and chaining the times until reaching first position. Winner of his first Grand Prix at Interlagos last weekend, George Russell placed 2^e just over 2 tenths behind his teammate while Charles Leclerc completed the Top 3.

Rookies out

This first free practice session of the weekend was also an opportunity for various young drivers to shine. Thus, Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin), Liam Lawson (Red Bull), Pietro Fittipaldi (Haas), Robert Shwartzman (Ferrari), Pato O'Ward (McLaren), Jack Doohan (Alpine) and Logan sargeant (Williams) were able to enjoy a new experience behind the wheel of a F1.

Among these rookies, it was Liam Lawson who made the best copy. Substitute for Max Verstappen During one session, the New Zealander finished in a good 5th place, less than 6 tenths behind Lewis Hamilton and with no less than 22 laps to his credit. Robert Shwartzman also filed the bitumen well. Brought to take the place of Carlos Sainz, the one who runs under the banner of Israel this year was inserted in 7th position between the veterans Sebastian Vettel et Daniel Ricciardo. The others were discreet, finishing further behind the peloton. Apart from Logan Sargeant, 15th just behind Robert Kubica, Pietro Fittipladi, Pato O'Ward, Jack Doohan and Felipe Drugovich ranked between 17th and 20th positions on the timesheet.

The action will resume at 14:00 p.m. (French time) with the second free practice session of the day.

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