Why F1’s first glimpses of its new era proved inconclusive
More than just a run out for young drivers, the 2021 Abu Dhabi post-season test was a small glimpse into 2022 and a new start for Formula 1. LUKE SMITH explains why some found it more valuable than others
As Max Verstappen partied until the sun came up following his dramatic world title win in Abu Dhabi, he was celebrating what he called his “final achievement”. Verstappen always made clear that winning the world championship would not change his life: even in the immediate aftermath of his win, he repeated his feeling that since he had now accomplished what he had set out to do, any success beyond this would be a bonus. But a little under 48 hours after he finally made it to bed, Max was back in the cockpit and in full title defence mode.
Post-season testing in Abu Dhabi might lack the glamour of the race weekend, or the full-on intrigue of pre-season running in Spain or Bahrain but, in 2021, the two-day session was packed with portents of the far-reaching changes to come. Unlike the 2020 one-day ‘rookie’ test in Abu Dhabi, notable largely for the incongruous presence of Fernando Alonso, December’s running had a proper structure and greater meaning. It was the final opportunity for teams to gather data before the start of winter testing in February, when the much-anticipated new generation of cars will appear.
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance How a dynamic design tool has grown in F1 importance
How Ecclestone’s new F1 documentary defies expectations
How Ecclestone’s new F1 documentary defies expectations How Ecclestone’s new F1 documentary defies expectations
Why F1's new rules can't yet be ruled a total success
Why F1's new rules can't yet be ruled a total success Why F1's new rules can't yet be ruled a total success
How F1's comeback merchant can make a lasting impression at Haas
How F1's comeback merchant can make a lasting impression at Haas How F1's comeback merchant can make a lasting impression at Haas
The key factors behind F1’s Premier League-style managerial revolving door
The key factors behind F1’s Premier League-style managerial revolving door The key factors behind F1’s Premier League-style managerial revolving door
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Marc Marquez "gaining nothing by complaining" about Honda’s MotoGP bike
Marc Marquez "gaining nothing by complaining" about Honda’s MotoGP bike Marc Marquez "gaining nothing by complaining" about Honda’s MotoGP bike
Alpine’s push to wipe Gasly F1 penalty points blocked by rivals’ opportunism
Alpine’s push to wipe Gasly F1 penalty points blocked by rivals’ opportunism Alpine’s push to wipe Gasly F1 penalty points blocked by rivals’ opportunism
Vandoorne: Efforts to avoid leading Sao Paulo E-Prix "quite dangerous"
Vandoorne: Efforts to avoid leading Sao Paulo E-Prix "quite dangerous" Vandoorne: Efforts to avoid leading Sao Paulo E-Prix "quite dangerous"
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side How Vasseur has begun Ferrari’s mission to keep Leclerc on side
Why Red Bull’s biggest F1 adversary is now itself
Why Red Bull’s biggest F1 adversary is now itself Why Red Bull’s biggest F1 adversary is now itself
How "only tough" Tost's public lack of trust could hurt AlphaTauri
How "only tough" Tost's public lack of trust could hurt AlphaTauri How "only tough" Tost's public lack of trust could hurt AlphaTauri
What Perez's Jeddah joy means for F1’s 2023 hopes for a real title fight
What Perez's Jeddah joy means for F1’s 2023 hopes for a real title fight What Perez's Jeddah joy means for F1’s 2023 hopes for a real title fight
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay How Perez kept Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP surge at bay
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off The enormous job facing F1 for its Vegas gamble to pay off
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.