Sainz shines on Williams F1 debut at Abu Dhabi test

Carlos Sainz sits atop the post-season F1 test timesheet midway through the session in Abu Dhabi.

The one-day outing around the Yas Marina Circuit sees all 10 teams run two cars – one as part of a test programme for Pirelli, and the other to give rookie drivers added experience.

The test marks Sainz’s official debut for Williams following his exit from Ferrari after last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Sainz is not the only driver switching teams who has made his first appearance for their new squad – Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg are behind the wheel at Haas and Sauber respectively.

Yuki Tsunoda is also driving for Red Bull as he makes his debut in up-to-date machinery from the front-running outfit.

Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris are back out on the track for Ferrari and McLaren respectively and sit in second and third place.

Frederick Vesti is the fastest of the rookie drivers, with the Dane stepping for Kimi Antonelli who was sidelined for the Formula 2 finale with a virus.

It is not yet clear if Antonelli will step into the car later today ahead of his full-time venture with Mercedes next year.

Various other rookies feature inside the top 10, including Stake’s Gabriel Bortoleto who will also race for the squad in 2025.

See the top 10 drivers at the halfway mark below!