formula 1
Crash training in Abu Dhabi – Hülkenberg also affected
Max Verstappen came third in the second training session in Abu Dhabi. photo
© Kamran Jebreili/AP/dpa
The second Formula 1 training session in Abu Dhabi was interrupted twice for a longer period of time due to accidents. The fastest is a Ferrari star.
The important training under racing conditions at the season finale Formula 1 has been severely affected by two accidents. More than half of the 60 minutes were canceled.
After just eight minutes the game had to be interrupted for the first time. Carlos Sainz had lost control of his Ferrari and crashed into the barrier with considerable force.
His car was wrecked and had to be towed away. Just a week ago, Sainz had a crash due to a towering manhole cover during training in Las Vegas. This time it seemed to have been a driving error.
After 27 minutes, the route on Yas Island was reopened. World champion Max Verstappen was already waiting impatiently in the pit lane. Immediately after the first corner, Nico Hülkenberg lost control of his Haas racing car. Red again, forced break again. This time it continued after seven minutes.
And again it was Verstappen who couldn’t wait. In the narrow access to the track, he and his Red Bull pushed past record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes.
Verstappen in third place, Leclerc in front
Ultimately, Verstappen, who can once again crown his record in his third year as world champion with the 19th win of the season and the 54th of his career on Sunday (2 p.m. CET/Sky), came third in his Red Bull. Charles Leclerc was fastest in a Ferrari ahead of Lando Norris from McLaren.
The problem for all teams will be that they will lack data due to the limited driving options. In the first free practice session at even higher temperatures, many racing teams – including Red Bull – gave young drivers a chance.
The season ends with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Red Bull won 20 of the 21 races so far, with Sainz achieving the only non-Red Bull success in Singapore.