Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

Red Bull reacts to Verstappen’s criticism – why ‘I told you’ moments are needed

Formula 1
Canadian GP
Red Bull reacts to Verstappen’s criticism – why ‘I told you’ moments are needed

Mini miracles as remarkable podium stories play out at Snetterton

National
Mini miracles as remarkable podium stories play out at Snetterton

Why Russell doesn’t want to see the 2026 F1 rules changed

Formula 1
Canadian GP
Why Russell doesn’t want to see the 2026 F1 rules changed

How Rosenqvist came of age in the closest Indy 500 finish in history

Feature
IndyCar
110th Running of the Indianapolis 500
How Rosenqvist came of age in the closest Indy 500 finish in history

Why "awesome" Canadian GP has convinced Hamilton he's "probably better without" Ferrari simulator

Formula 1
Canadian GP
Why "awesome" Canadian GP has convinced Hamilton he's "probably better without" Ferrari simulator

Canadian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2026

Formula 1
Canadian GP
Canadian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2026

How Ferrari and Audi could decide Verstappen's F1 future

Feature
Formula 1
Canadian GP
How Ferrari and Audi could decide Verstappen's F1 future

Antonelli takes a decisive step in Montreal's all-action thriller

Feature
Formula 1
Canadian GP
Antonelli takes a decisive step in Montreal's all-action thriller

Ferrari's Raikkonen fastest on first day of Abu Dhabi F1 tyre test

Kimi Raikkonen set the pace on day one of the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Pirelli Formula 1 tyre test, as Robert Kubica completed his first run in a 2017 Williams

The Ferrari driver clocked a 1m37.768s on the new-for-2018 hyper-soft tyre to finish 0.298 seconds clear of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, who hands over to Max Verstappen on Wednesday.

Raikkonen, who recorded 99 laps, is splitting driving duties with Sebastian Vettel at the test, with the German to take over for the final day on Wednesday.

All of the current race drivers will get at least some running on the 2018 tyres as they are keen to get some mileage on Pirelli's new range, which will be softer next season.

World champion Lewis Hamilton ended the day third quickest, 0.782s off the pace, after clocking up 136 laps.

Romain Grosjean was fourth for Haas ahead of Fernando Alonso, who crashed during the morning session, damaging the front wing of his McLaren and bringing out a red flag.

The Spaniard got back out again and ended the day with 111 laps on the board.

Renault's Nico Hulkenberg was sixth, with a tally of 80 laps, ahead of Force India development driver Nikita Mazepin.

Kubica amassed 100 laps in an incident-free session, with a best lap of 1m41.296s to end up ninth quickest.

He finished 1.2s adrift of Lance Stroll, who took over running for the final couple of hours, but the two were believed to be running different programmes.

The Pole will be back in the car for the final couple of hours on Wednesday, with the focus expected to be on performance runs.

Williams is using the test to evaluate whether or not to sign Kubica for next season, alongside Stroll.

Kubica is understood to be favourite for the seat.

Sean Gelael was 10th fastest in the Toro Rosso, ahead of Sauber's Marcus Ericsson, with Oliver Turvey 11th for McLaren.

McLaren was permitted to run two cars to make up for the loss of running when the recent Pirelli test at Interlagos was cancelled because of security concerns.

All of the day's fastest times were set on the hyper-soft tyre except for Kubica's lap, which was completed on the soft tyre.

Previous article I'm not driving one-handed says Kubica after Williams 2017 F1 test
Next article Hamilton: Hyper-soft is best tyre Pirelli has made since F1 return

Top Comments

Latest news