Verstappen leads Red Bull one-two in final Abu Dhabi GP practice

Max Verstappen led Alexander Albon in a Red Bull one-two within the ultimate apply session of the Formula One season on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday, as dominant Mercedes discovered themselves in unfamiliar territory. 

Dutchman Verstappen lapped the Yas Marina observe in a single minute, 36.251 seconds, 0.501 seconds away from his British-born Thai staff mate Albon.

Daniel Ricciardo was third for Renault along with his staff mate Esteban Ocon in fourth.

World champion Lewis Hamilton, again in motion after lacking final week’s Sakhir Grand Prix because of COVID-19, was the lead Mercedes in sixth, 0.761 seconds slower than Verstappen. Team mate Valtteri Bottas, who had set the quickest time on Friday, was ninth.

Mercedes, working a particular livery with the names of about 2,000 staff personnel on their automobiles, have taken pole in Abu Dhabi yearly since 2014. They have began each race however one this season from the entrance of the grid.

Hamilton indicated on Friday that the Brackley-based staff, who this yr wrapped up a report seventh straight title double, may use Saturday’s hour-long session to run their automobiles on larger gasoline masses, suggesting regular order might be restored come qualifying.

Lando Norris was fifth for McLaren forward of Hamilton, who has wrapped up a record-equalling seventh title. Lance Stroll was seventh for Racing Point forward of Carlos Sainz within the different McLaren.

Sergio Perez, winner in Sakhir final week who is ready to start out Sunday’s race from the again of the grid due to engine-related penalties, rounded out the highest 10 for Racing Point.

George Russell, who stood in for Hamilton in Sakhir and almost gained the race, was 15th on his Williams return behind Sebastian Vettel who took half in his ultimate apply session for Ferrari.