The 2024 season concluded with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but the work for the Formula 1 teams is not yet finished. Just At the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, drivers and teams will return to action for the final event of the year: the post-season tests.
This special day is not only an opportunity to gather data on Pirelli's new tyres, but also to observe important debuts and key transitions. Among those changing teams, such as Carlos Sainz who makes his debut with Williams, and the young talents called to shine, such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto, the tests represent a glimpse into the future of Formula 1.
The format of the tests post-season in Abu Dhabi
The sessions will be divided into two parts: one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for a total of eight hours. It starts at 6 am Italian time and ends at 15 pm. Each team will have two cars at their disposal: one will be entrusted to a regular driver to test the new Pirelli tyres, while the other will be driven by a rookie or a driver who has never competed in more than two races in his career.
This mix makes testing a unique moment, in which the regular drivers collect useful data for the development of the next season, while young talents or new arrivals become familiar with the world of Formula 1.
The most anticipated debuts
One of the most anticipated moments will be the debut of Carlos Sainz with Williams. The Spaniard, fresh from an excellent performance in Abu Dhabi in his last race with Ferrari, will immediately become familiar with the Grove team, flanked by the young Luke Browning.
Other drivers will also be changing colours on this occasion. Esteban Ocon will make his debut with Haas, while Nico Hülkenberg will be racing for the first time for Sauber alongside new Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
Young talents in action
The tests will also be an opportunity to see some of the most promising young talents on track. Mercedes will field Andrea Kimi Antonelli alongside George Russell, while Red Bull will focus on Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, with the latter having the chance to drive the main team's single-seater for the first time.
Ferrari, on the other hand, will field Antonio Fuoco and Arthur Leclerc alongside regular Charles Leclerc, while McLaren will field constructors' world champion Oscar Piastri alongside Patricio O'Ward.
All the drivers on the track
here's the list Assessment of the pilots who will take part in the tests:
• Alpine: Pierre Gasly, Jack Doohan
• Aston Martin: Lance Stroll, Felipe Drugovich, Jak Crawford
• Ferrari: Charles Leclerc, Antonio Fuoco, Arthur Leclerc
• Haas: Esteban Ocon, Ryo Hirakawa
• McLaren: Oscar Piastri, Patricio O'Ward
• Mercedes: George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli
• Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson, Ayumu Iwasa
• Red Bull: Yuki Tsunoda, Isaac Hadjar
• Sauber: Nico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto
• Williams: Carlos Sainz, Luke Browning
Towards 2025
These tests are much more than just training. For debuting drivers, like Carlos Sainz in Williams, it is the first step towards a new adventure. For young talents, like Bortoleto and Antonelli, it is the opportunity to show that they are ready for the big leap.
And as the 2024 season officially comes to a close, these testing sessions remind us that the countdown to 2025 has already begun.
