Crash training in Abu Dhabi - Hülkenberg also affected
The important practice session under race conditions at the Formula 1 season finale was severely affected by two accidents. More than half of the 60 minutes were lost.
After just eight minutes, the session had to be interrupted for the first time. Carlos Sainz had lost control of his Ferrari and crashed into the barriers with considerable force.
His car was demolished and had to be towed away. Just a week ago, Sainz had crashed through a protruding manhole cover during practice in Las Vegas. This time it appeared to have been a driving error.
After 27 minutes, the track on Yas Island was reopened. World champion Max Verstappen was already waiting impatiently in the pit lane. However, Nico Hülkenberg lost control of his Haas racing car immediately after the first corner. Red again, another forced break. This time, the race resumed after seven minutes.
And again it was Verstappen who couldn't wait. On the narrow approach to the track, he squeezed past record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes in his Red Bull.
Verstappen in third place, Leclerc in front
In the end, Verstappen, who can crown his record-breaking record in his third year as world champion with his 19th win of the season and the 54th of his career on Sunday (14:00 CET/Sky), finished third in his Red Bull. Charles Leclerc was fastest in the Ferrari ahead of Lando Norris from McLaren.
The problem for all the teams will be the lack of data due to the limited driving opportunities. In the first free practice session beforehand at even higher temperatures, many racing teams - including Red Bull - had given young drivers a chance.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of the season. Red Bull has won 20 of the 21 races so far, with Sainz achieving the only non-Red Bull success in Singapore.
Source: www.dpa.com
