EL1 at Yas Marina: Verstappen draws first

Max Verstappen signs the 1st chronometric reference at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, last round of the 2020 season. 

The Dutchman completes the 5,554 km of the Yas Marina circuit in 1'37''378 and precedes the Mercedes de Valtteri Bottas of 34 small thousandths. 

Crowned with his first podium, Esteban Ocon hoist his Renault in 3rd position. The gap with Verstappen is however significant since it amounts to 1”137. 

Alexander albon, victim of a harmless spin during the session, won the 4th fastest time of the session, while Lewis Hamilton completes the top five for his return to the wheel at Mercedes after his withdrawal due to Covid-19 in Sakhir. The seven-time world champion encountered brake problems at the start of the session, which caused him to lose some time. Hamilton further established his best mark with Hard tires. 

Follow the Racing Points of Lance stroll and Sergio Pérez then Alpha Tauri by Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly. Kimi Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo) enters the first half of the table with the 1th fastest time. 

There is no trace of the McLaren and Ferrari in the Top 10. The two historic teams place their drivers between 11th and 14th place. 

Back behind the wheel in EL1 at Alfa Romeo, reserve Robert Kubica is 15th, ahead of George Russell, 'dismissed' to Williams after his spectacular interim at Mercedes. The Briton is 6/10th ahead of his teammate Nicholas latifi. 

For its first official appearance during a Grand Prix weekend, Mick Schumacher takes the 18th time at Haas, 3''857 behind Verstappen, but almost 3'' ahead of 3rd driver Pietro Fittipaldi, who again replaces Romain Grosjean this week-end. 

Daniel Ricciardo cannot complete a single timed lap at Renault due to a fuel pressure problem. 

Note that this first free session at Yas Marina is not really representative given that qualifying and the race take place at nightfall in cooler temperatures.

FP1 FULL CLASSIFICATION@Max33Verstappen fastest in the weekend's goes opening session! #AbuDhabiGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/8rdBheEZjF

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 11, 2020