Ocon sets the pace as Russell car failure causes heavy crash in post-season Abu Dhabi test

Pioneering Performances and Unexpected Twists in the Final F1 Test of the Year.

The 2023 F1 season culminated in an action-packed testing day in Abu Dhabi, with Esteban Ocon leading the pack. The day kicked off with a 25-minute delay due to the medical helicopter not being ready, followed by another interruption after a water leak on the track. The testing day was further marred by a crash involving George Russell at Turn 6, owing to a suspected car failure.

An impressive performance was seen from McLaren’s new reserve driver, Pato O’Ward, who finished just 0.3s behind Ocon, with Fred Vesti and Sergio Perez close behind. “It was a very positive day,” said Perez. “Despite the initial inconvenience, there’s so much learning and it’s productive. The circuit was very representative, especially in the afternoon, providing valuable insights for next year. It’s indeed a good way to end the year.”

Carlos Sainz led at the halfway stage before his teammate, Charles Leclerc, took over. Sainz dropped to fifth by the end of the day, ahead of fellow Spaniard, Fernando Alonso. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll drove in the morning before handing over to Alonso. Jack Doohan, Alpine’s reserve, shone with his best time of 1:25.038, closely followed by Robert Shwartzman in the Ferrari.

The top ten was rounded out by Logan Sargeant and Leclerc, who drove in the afternoon. After their successful FP1 runs, Theo Pourchaire and Felipe Drugovich placed 11th and 12th for Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin respectively. Ayumu Iwasa’s debut run for AlphaTauri was cut short after 96 laps due to a stoppage, ending up 15th overall.

Franco Colapinto made history as the first Argentinian in over two decades to drive a current F1 car. He completed 65 laps for Williams before handing over to O’Sullivan. However, the day’s highest mileage was achieved by Pietro Fittipaldi, who completed 130 laps for Haas.