Abu Dhabi F1 Testing: Sainz Tops Midday for Williams

Carlos Sainz sets the pace in Abu Dhabi’s F1 testing, leading a competitive field as drivers complete the first four hours.

The 2025 F1 season kicked off this morning with post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, as the first four hours of running have just concluded.

Three drivers—Carlos Sainz, Nico Hulkenberg, and Esteban Ocon—completed their initial laps with their new teams.

The session started poorly for Mercedes F1: Kimi Antonelli felt unwell this morning and handed over his seat to Frederik Vesti. The Italian hopes to drive this afternoon if he feels better.

Sainz set the pace in the morning session ahead of his 2024 Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

As the pit lane light turned green, Yuki Tsunoda finally made his debut with Red Bull, taking the wheel of the RB20 (pictured below). However, as Red Bull, according to Helmut Marko, has already made its driver decision as of Monday, Tsunoda’s day in the RB20 is more about ticking a box for the driver and his sponsor, Honda.

Meanwhile, Sainz, wearing an all-white suit to avoid sponsorship conflicts, led the first hour with a lap of 1:24.620, a tenth ahead of his former teammate Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.

Jack Doohan, the Australian back in the A524 after debuting in F1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was three-tenths off the pace in fourth place.

Esteban Ocon was the only driver without a recorded time after an hour of testing, as Haas made adjustments to the car to suit the Frenchman. He still completed eight installation laps and was already wearing the official team race suit.

As the drivers continued to log laps, Pato O’Ward became the first to surpass 40 laps in the championship-winning MCL38. Leclerc took the lead during the second hour, but Sainz reclaimed the top spot with a 1:24.435. Ocon set his first lap time in the Haas F1, though it was four seconds off the pace.

Norris joined the battle for the top spot on the timesheets, while Gabriel Bortoleto competed with O’Ward for the title of busiest driver on track. The session ran without major incidents, aside from a spin by Norris at the exit of Turn 14.

This afternoon, Arthur Leclerc is set to replace Antonio Fuoco, while Oscar Piastri will take over from Lando Norris. It remains to be seen whether Kimi Antonelli will drive as initially planned or if Vesti will continue. Mercedes F1 has already confirmed that Antonelli will not travel to Suzuka for his scheduled Super Formula test on Friday.

Testing will resume from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. French time.

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F1 Testing in Abu Dhabi: Sainz Leads F1 Testing in Abu Dhabi: Sainz Leads