Max most productive during Abu Dhabi tyre test

Published on 03 December 2019 by Kees-Jan Koster

Max Verstappen was the most productive during the first day of the Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi. The Dutch Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver was able to lap the Yas Marina Circuit no less than 153 times, setting a time of 1:39.926 putting him in seventh position. Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas set the quickest time of 1:37.124 driving 138 laps.

After the final Grand Prix of the 2019 Formula 1 season, the ten teams participated in the two-day tyre test on Tuesday and Wednesday. These tests enable the teams to get acquainted with the new Pirelli-rubber for 2020, after using these tyres for the first time during the free practice sessions on the Friday prior to the USA Grand Prix.

Every team had ten sets of tyres available in Abu Dhabi, of which they have a mix of this year’s tyres and the new compounds for next year. It is not yet certain that these 2020 tyres will definitely be used next year. If the teams decide that they rather use the 2019 tyre compounds next year, Pirelli will have to adhere to that.

Wednesday some further tests will be done, Alex Albon will then take over the steering wheel of Max, for whom it was the last time driving the RB15.

Results Pirelli tyre test Abu Dhabi, Tuesday 3rd December: