After the Formula 1 season finale, the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi hosted the traditional post-season young driver test, despite initial delays. The test provided an opportunity for up-and-coming drivers to showcase their skills, alongside some regular F1 drivers taking one last spin before the off-season.
Between the lines
- Post-season test features a mix of young drivers and F1 regulars at Yas Marina.
- Initial delay due to medical helicopter, followed by a red flag caused by water on track.
- Top times posted by Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz amidst valuable testing for rookies.
- Session concluded under floodlights, marking the end of official 2023 F1 track activity.
Go deeper
The post-season test is a pivotal moment for young drivers, such as Jake Dennis (Red Bull) and Fred Vesti (Mercedes), to make an impression. It’s also a chance for the newly crowned F2 champion Théo Pourchaire to demonstrate his prowess in the Alfa Romeo. The test is not just about the rookies; regular drivers like George Russell and Sergio Perez delayed their vacations to participate, with Perez clocking a notable 1:25.168s lap time.
The day’s proceedings didn’t start as smoothly as planned. The medical helicopter’s absence led to a 25-minute delay, followed by a red flag due to a water leak on the track. However, the issues were swiftly resolved, allowing the drivers to proceed with their testing programs.
The test serves multiple purposes, from evaluating young talent like Ayumu Iwasa (AlphaTauri) and Franco Alejandro Colapinto (Williams) to conducting tire tests with Pirelli. It’s also an opportunity for teams to gather data and test new components in preparation for the next season.
The presence of F1 regulars adds a competitive edge to the test. It’s not just a rookie showcase; it’s a final display of the year’s competitive spirit. Drivers like Alonso and Stroll shared duties for Aston Martin, while Albon and Sargeant teamed up at Williams, all contributing to their teams’ development.
As the sun set and the floodlights illuminated the Yas Marina Circuit, the session wrapped up on schedule. This marked the end of the 2023 official track activities, with teams and drivers now looking ahead to the challenges of the next season.
