Winter Test Day 1: Verstappen emerges from sandstorm as leader

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris traded blows during this second practice session. Although the Dutchman dominated the top spot in the timing charts, the Englishman often came close.

This session was also marked by a long sandstorm which prevented the drivers from going out for long minutes. The sand also caused many mistakes by the drivers, locking their wheels when braking or running wide into the run-off areas.

The seven-time British world champion Lewis Hamilton also made his debut in this 2021 season, struggling towards the end of the session with his Mercedes, he clocked the tenth fastest time of the day.

Two drivers officially made their F1 debut this afternoon, Yuki Tsunoda with AlphaTauri and Nikita Mazepin with Haas. Both of them delivered a good performance, with the Japanese driver placing just behind his teammate and the Russian driver ahead of his garage neighbor.

Esteban Ocon and his Alpine didn’t slack off today, indeed, he secured a fine third place in the overall standings after completing 128 laps.

The second day of winter testing will take place this Saturday, we will notably see the return of Fernando Alonso to F1 as well as the appearance of the Williams drivers.

Schedule of the first day