Get ready for some thrilling racing action as we dive into the post-season test in Abu Dhabi! The stage is set, and the rookies are stealing the show.
At the Yas Marina Circuit, a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces took to the track. Among them, Jak Crawford, Paul Aron, and Luke Browning, all newcomers to the scene, were the ones to watch.
Crawford, racing for Aston Martin, topped the timesheets on Tuesday, showcasing his talent and potential. But here's where it gets interesting: he wasn't alone at the top. Aron and Browning, both young and ambitious, were hot on his trail, separated by mere fractions of a second.
The test session, organized alongside F1's tire supplier Pirelli, saw all 10 teams in action. From 9 AM to 6 PM local time, the circuit buzzed with activity. Regular drivers and rookies alike got their chance to shine, with some teams even running three cars.
Among the returning champions was Lando Norris, the newly crowned World Champion, donning a dazzling helmet. He was joined by his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and reserve driver Pato O'Ward.
But the spotlight wasn't just on the established names. Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad made their debuts with new teams, with Hadjar set to become Max Verstappen's teammate in 2026. Lindblad, stepping into Hadjar's shoes at Racing Bulls, was getting a head start on his full-time F1 debut.
A total of 25 drivers participated, with some teams opting for a three-car strategy. Haas' reserve racer, Ryo Hirakawa, caused a brief interruption with a red flag after an incident at Turn 1.
Despite the interruptions, the drivers racked up plenty of laps. Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes led the way with 157 laps, while Esteban Ocon of Haas managed only four due to an engine issue. But it was Crawford who set the fastest lap of the day, an impressive 1:23.766, during the final two hours of the test.
Aron, the Estonian reserve driver for Alpine, was just 0.081 seconds behind. He was racing for Kick Sauber during the test, an arrangement made possible by an earlier agreement between the two teams.
Browning, in the Williams, took third place, continuing his successful run with the Grove-based squad. He was closely followed by Mercedes reserve Fred Vesti, who logged an impressive 145 laps. Ayumu Iwasa rounded out the top five in the Red Bull.
Check out the full results below and see for yourself how these drivers performed. Who do you think will make a splash in the upcoming season? And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the top times, but the strategy and development work happening behind the scenes. So, what's your take on these post-season tests? Do they give an accurate representation of future performance, or are they just a fun way to end the season? Let's discuss in the comments!
