After twenty-one grand prix, la Formula 1 is preparing to complete the last act of the 2023 season. The top flight arrives in recently revolutionized Yas Marina layout, which will see one take place qualification that is anything but predictable. Ferrari – after the pole in Las Vegas – seems not to have favored the flying lap, while Mercedes e McLaren they seem tough rivals for one Red Bull not comfortable until FP3. Ad Abu Dhabi Verstappen took the last pole position of the year.
Sensational in Q1: Sainz eliminated
With the hope that i advice regarding the Fanta F1 have been useful, it's finally time to get on track. The predicted evolution of the route, given the night time, he doesn't rush the teams to unleash the cars. The first driver to finish his lap is Max Verstappen. The three times world champion, with two trails, immediately put his RB19 in first place. Williams and AlphaTauri continue to impress, fourth and fifth respectively with Albon and Ricciardo. At the rear, some drivers had their time canceled due to exceeding the track limits.
Before the last attempt, there is heavy traffic at the exit of the pit lane, with all the pilots proceeding very slowly. A Mercedes apparently in difficulty recovers at the last second, avoiding elimination. Sainz doesn't seem to have peace after the bang in FP2 is excluded from the first round of qualifying. The Spaniard complained about Gasly's traffic just after turn 3. The others excluded are Magnussen, Bottas, Zhou and Sargeant, all behind Sainz.
A Mercedes eliminated in Q2
Alexander Albon opens the session and immediately sets a good time with his FW45, considering the compound used. The two Mercedes undermine the Thai, then Verstappen arrives and re-establishes the hierarchies. Leclerc's first attempt is eight tenths away from Max's; it seems difficult to think that the Monegasque can replicate last week's pole position. McLaren reconfirms himself, probably the only real threat to the Dutchman ahead of the third round. After the elimination in Q2 in Las Vegas, Lewis Hamilton is eliminated again in the same shift. Behind him, Ocon, Stroll, Albon and Ricciardo are excluded. Not bad for Ferrari, which after the premature exclusion of Sainz finds a foothold to hope to end the season ahead of Mercedes in the constructors' championship.
Verstappen in pole position in Abu Dhabi
The first attempt goes to Verstappen, who clocks 1:23. 445, best time so far. Leclerc's first half is terrible, even one second from the top. After the first attempt, the two McLarens followed Max Verstappen.
Norris can't do it to put her in first position. The Englishman, under the hotel, made a crazy traverse losing precious cents. Hats off to Leclerc, who doesn't know how he fares, 139 thousandths from pole. Behind Verstappen and the Monegasque, they are there Piastri, Russell and Norris. Magical tsunoda, That is sixth ahead of Alonso, Hulkenberg, Perez and Gasly.
