FERRARI LOCK-OUT OF THE TOP SPOTS IN FINAL 2022 F1 TEST
Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and young driver Robert Shwartzmann completed a clean sweep at the top of the timesheets as Formula 1 cars took to the track for the final time in 2022 in the Young Driver test in Abu Dhabi last week.
The teams were allowed one car for regular drivers completing test work for Pirelli (some crews split the lead car between two drivers), while the other machine had to be piloted by a younger driver or new signings with less mileage – ie: those that had taken part in fewer grand prix weekends.
Leclerc ran for the first half of the nine-hours last Tuesday before handing over to Sainz, who eclipsed his team-mate’s benchmark. Young driver Robert Shwartzmann took third position.
Fernando Alonso made his debut with Aston Martin and was 12th while Alpine new recruit Pierre Gasly was fourth. Oscar Piastri ran with McLaren until his car was stopped with technical woe. Nico Hulkenberg’s first run with Haas was also interrupted with a failure, although he was able to rejoin the session. Nyck de Vries was eighth on his first day with AlphaTauri.