Argomenti trattati
The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi hosted a vibrant post-season test, where teams returned to the track shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season. This event featured a mix of established drivers and promising newcomers, creating an exciting atmosphere as they prepared for upcoming competitions.
One of the standout performers was Jak Crawford, who drove for the Aston Martin team and secured the fastest lap of the day. With a time of 1 minute 23.766 seconds, Crawford demonstrated his potential as he transitions from Formula 2. He was closely followed by fellow young drivers Paul Aron and Luke Browning, who also showcased their skills during the testing session.
Overview of the testing session
All ten teams participated in the testing session at Yas Marina Circuit, which ran from 0900 to 1800 local time. The day was organized in collaboration with Pirelli, the official tire supplier for Formula 1, allowing teams to evaluate their vehicles under various conditions. The drivers included a mix of regular competitors and rookies, each aiming to gain valuable experience ahead of the new season.
Notable driver performances
Among the drivers returning to the track was the newly crowned World Champion, Lando Norris. Sporting a vibrant new helmet, Norris was joined by his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and reserve driver Pato O’Ward. Their presence heightened the excitement of the event as fans anticipated their performance following an impressive championship run.
New talent was evident as well, with Isack Hadjar making his debut for Red Bull in preparation for a full-time role alongside Max Verstappen in 2026. Similarly, Arvid Lindblad took to the track for Racing Bulls, gaining experience before his official entry into Formula 1.
Session statistics and highlights
A total of 25 drivers participated in the post-season test, with several teams opting to run multiple cars. Haas, for instance, utilized three drivers, including reserve racer Ryo Hirakawa, who triggered the only red flag of the day due to an off-track incident at Turn 1.
The session featured significant lap counts, with Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes achieving the highest total of 157 laps. In contrast, Esteban Ocon for Haas faced difficulties, completing only four laps due to an engine problem.
Final standings and implications
The testing session concluded with Crawford at the top of the timesheets, showcasing his capabilities as he transitions from Formula 2 to Formula 1. Close behind him was Paul Aron, who clocked in just 0.081 seconds slower, while Browning secured third place for Williams. The presence of these young drivers indicates a promising future for the sport as they continue to develop their skills in the highly competitive arena of Formula 1.
As the teams analyze the results from the Abu Dhabi post-season test, they will undoubtedly use this valuable data to inform their strategies and preparations for the upcoming season. With the combination of seasoned drivers and fresh talent, the 2026 Formula 1 season is poised to be exhilarating.