Janice R. Andrews
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc closed out the 2024 Formula 1 season in style by topping the timesheets at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. Held at the Yas Marina Circuit, where the season finale took place two days earlier, the test provided a platform for teams to evaluate Pirelli’s 2025 tire compounds.
Leclerc posted an impressive 1m23.510s during the cooler evening conditions, completing 134 laps to secure the fastest time. His performance pushed Mercedes’ George Russell, who also completed 134 laps, down to third. Williams’ new signing Carlos Sainz delivered a strong showing, finishing second with 146 laps, just a tenth of a second behind Leclerc.
Productive Testing for Teams and Drivers
The nine-hour test offered teams valuable data on tire performance under various conditions. While lap times are not entirely representative due to unknown fuel loads and tire compounds, the session highlighted strong efforts across the grid.
- Nico Hülkenberg, debuting with Sauber, finished fourth with 113 laps.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes’ 2025 rookie, battled illness but still secured fifth after completing 62 laps.
Apart from a brief red flag near the session’s end, the day was largely trouble-free, allowing Pirelli to gather significant feedback.
Standout Performances and New Beginnings
The test also featured several notable debuts and key performances:
- Esteban Ocon, now driving for Haas, completed 119 laps and finished 10th.
- Yuki Tsunoda drove a Red Bull for the first time, completing 127 laps.
- F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto made his debut for Sauber, completing 130 laps.
McLaren’s IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward continued his F1 adaptation by covering two full race distances, further demonstrating his versatility.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the 2024 F1 season officially over, attention now shifts to preparations for 2025. Teams will return to action during the Bahrain winter test from February 26-28, ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.
Final Test Standings
Here are the top performers from the Abu Dhabi test:
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1m23.510s | 134 |
| 2 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1m23.635s | 146 |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1m23.789s | 134 |
| 4 | Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber | 1m23.859s | 113 |
| 5 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1m23.873s | 62 |
The post-season test offered a mix of seasoned expertise and promising debuts, setting the tone for what is shaping up to be an exciting 2025 Formula 1 season.
