Max quickest in Abu Dhabi FP1

Published on 10 December 2021 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen opened the final Grand Prix of the 2021 world championship with the quickest time in the opening practice session. The Red Bull Racing driver lapped the Yas Marina Bay circuit in Abu Dhabi fastest ahead of the two Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton. Max’ teammate Sergio Perez completed the top four.

At the start of the session, it is still day light with temperatures in the high thirties. During his first lap, Max tells the team the steering of the RB16B is pulling to right. Nevertheless, he continues and his first timed lap puts him at the top of the leader boards

Fifteen minutes into practice, Fernando Alonso snatches P1 off Max, but the Alpine driver cannot enjoy top spot for long; Max’ second timed effort bests the Spaniard’s lap.

After a brief visit to the pits, and some front wing adjustments, Max heads back out to continue improving on his lap times and cementing his lead over second-placed Lewis Hamilton.

Despite continuing to improve, Max notifies the team that the steering issue needs to be looked at upon his next visit to the garage.

At the halfway mark, Kimi Raikkonen, who is contesting his final Grand Prix, causes a yellow flag. But apart from needing a new set of Pirellis, the Alfa Romeo driver can continue his session.

Meanwhile, Max’ steering issues are sorted and with a fresh set of the softs, the Dutchman sets another fastest lap.

In an attempt to match Max, Hamilton clocks two purple sectors, but loses four tenths in the second sector, meaning the Mercedes driver remains second. Soon after, his teammate Valtteri Bottas pips the reigning champion to second.

In the closing stages, most drivers are lapping on used tyres, meaning the lap times are no longer bettered, resulting in Max finishing FP1 on top, ahead of the two Mercedes.

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Results first free practice Abu-dhabi: