Post-season testing – Leclerc sets fastest time ahead of Sainz’s Williams

• The 2024 season chapter of the Formula 1 is definitely closed. Two days after the last Grand Prix of the season, won by Lando Norris In Abu Dhabi, the post-season tests were held this Tuesday on the Yas Marina circuit. On this occasion, it is Charles Leclerc who set the best time in 1'23″510 after 134 laps on the track. A time that is obviously not very representative, since this test day is mainly intended for testing Pirelli tires. For comparison, Lando Norris' pole position time was set in 1'22″595 last Saturday.
• These post-season tests were above all an opportunity to see certain drivers make their debuts with their new team. This was notably the case for Carlos Sainz who discovered the Williams FW46, wearing a white suit and without a sponsor. The Spaniard was able to complete 146 laps and recorded the 2nd fastest time, in 1'23″635. A first day without incident for the ex-driver Ferrari.
• Esteban Ocon He also experienced his first day as a pilot Haas, this Tuesday. The Frenchman, who remained on the sidelines during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after being thanked by Alpine before the last round of the season, got back behind the wheel of the American machine and completed 119 laps aboard the VF-24. The Norman posted the 10th fastest time of the day, in 1'24″305.
• Esteban Ocon wasn't the only Frenchman on track, as Isack Hadjar was also able to take the wheel of the Red Bull RB20. The Tricolore – tipped to join Racing Bulls in 2025 – was able to complete 125 laps aboard the Austrian machine and set the 15th fastest time of the session, in 1'24″632. Yuki tsunoda was also present for Red Bull, a test that could be essential in the decision that the team will have to make Milton Keynes for his 2025 crew. The Japanese completed 127 laps and took the 17th time.
• Other "newbies" also took to the track for these post-season tests: sick this weekend, Andrea Kimi Antonelli still drove the Mercedes W15 this afternoon. After giving way to Frederik Vesti in the morning, the Italian was able to complete 62 laps with the car German, and even signed the 5th time behind Nico Hulkenberg, who was discovering the Sauber on his side. Gabriel Bortoleto was also able to test the Sauber C44, with 130 laps completed and the 18th time.

F1 – Post-season testing
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ALSO READ > IN PICTURES – Ocon at Haas, Sainz with Williams… the first images of the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi