The first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw a mix of experienced and young drivers take to the track, with George Russell of Mercedes setting the fastest time of the session. The session, which took place at the Yas Marina circuit, included a number of young and aspiring drivers as per the regulations, giving them valuable experience in a Formula 1 car.
After the unfortunate drainage issue that prematurely ended the first free practice session in Las Vegas, this session in Abu Dhabi went smoothly. The event marked the last Grand Prix of the 2023 season and was especially significant as it featured a total of nine non-regular Formula 1 drivers. This was in line with the regulation requiring teams to provide young drivers with the opportunity to participate in two free practice sessions throughout the season.
Notable participants included Felipe Drugovich driving for Aston Martin, Robert Shwartzman for Ferrari, and Frederik Vesti for Mercedes. Additionally, two French Formula 2 drivers, Théo Pourchaire and Isack Hadjar, had the opportunity to pilot Formula 1 cars for Alfa Romeo and Red Bull, respectively.
Despite encountering some issues with low-speed cornering, George Russell managed to clock the fastest time of 1’26″072, completing 26 laps. He was closely followed by the 23-year-old Drugovich, who showcased his talent by finishing just 288 milliseconds behind Russell. Daniel Ricciardo of AlphaTauri secured the third position, trailing Russell by 361 milliseconds.
In a session where experienced drivers like Pierre Gasly participated, Pourchaire and Hadjar also made their mark, finishing in the 14th and 17th positions, more than a second behind the leader. Esteban Ocon, who was unwell, handed over his car to Australian driver Jack Doohan, who finished in 13th place. Notably, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc did not take part in this session but were expected to join for the second practice session.
The inclusion of young drivers in the first free practice session added an exciting dynamic to the event. It provided them with invaluable experience and exposure in a Formula 1 setting, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. The impressive performances of these young talents also emphasize the potential for a new generation of drivers to make an impact in the world of Formula 1.