Alpine driver Esteban Ocon set the pace on the final day of Formula 1 running in 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

A total of 25 drivers ran in the combined young driver test and 2024 tyre test, with Ocon hitting the top of the timesheets with an hour to go and ending up just under three-tenths faster than McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, who set his time with 44 minutes remaining, and Frederik Vesti - who improved to third for Mercedes in the final minutes of the session.

Sergio Perez was fourth fastest, less than a tenth quicker than Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who was driving the car Charles Leclerc raced last weekend. The team indicated that was planned before it travelled to Abu Dhabi rather than as a response to the Spaniard’s difficulties during last weekend's season-ending grand prix.

A strange red flag

The test started 25 minutes late thanks to the wait for the medical helicopter, meaning that running had only been going on for 36 minutes when the first red flag was thrown. This was thanks to what was described as a 'water leak' between Turns 13 and 14.

This emanated from the bridge across the track that’s connected to the W Hotel. The leak was not only water, but also included an oily substance, requiring a 24-minute stoppage for it to be cleaned up.

Russell crashes

The second and red flag of the day was caused by George Russell crashing at Turn 6. This led to a 25-minute delay while his car was recovered, being brought back to the pits with front-right damage. This was the result of what the team described as “an accident caused by car failure” and brought his day to an early end.