Max fourth after Abu Dhabi Friday practice: 'More fun to drive'

Published on 10 December 2021 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen ended the Friday of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in fourth place. Lewis Hamilton was quickest around the Yas Marina circuit, with Esteban Ocon in second. Hamilton’s Mercedes colleague Valtteri Bottas completed the top three.

“The circuit is more fun to drive”, said Max after FP2. “In general, faster corners are more fun. Especially the final sector, with more tight and off camber corners, has now opened up with the radius of the corners being rounder. So overall, the changes to the track are positive.”

The Dutchman added: “Of course, we are still learning and trying to understand a few things. The short runs didn’t go to plan; we’re lacking a bit of pace. But the long runs looked more competitive and that’s important.”

 At the start of the session, the sun has set, and the artificial lights are on. When the pitlane light goes green, most drivers immediately head out. Max has done so on a new set of the medium Pirelli tyres. His first flying lap grants him P5.

When Max is about to launch into his second timed lap, Nicolas Latifi spins off the track damaging his Williams rear wing as he collects the barriers. Max sets about another attempt and clocks the second quickest time thus far.

At the halfway mark, Esteban Ocon, rather surprisingly, leads the way. Subsequently, efforts by Max, Perez and Bottas to topple the Alpine driver fail, with only Lewis Hamilton managing a faster lap and thus claiming top spot.

In the closing quarter of the session, most teams shift their focus onto race simulations, meaning the lap times remain unchanged. The session ends with a heavy shunt in turn 14, where Kimi Raikkonen steers his Alfa Romeo into the barriers. Despite his car being severely damaged, the Finn exits the vehicle unharmed. The resulting red flag signals the end of Friday practice.

Contest GP Abu Dhabi: win a by Max Verstappen signed 1:2 helmet 2021!

Results second free practice Abu-dhabi: