The fastest driver in the session was Oscar Piastriwith a time of 1:23.433, followed closely by his teammate in McLaren, Lando Norriswith 1:23.626.
The 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its conclusion in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prixa quote that also marks the Closing of the year for Colapinto. Despite rumors linking him to teams like Red Bull and Alpinethe Argentine pilot has not yetor are you guaranteed a seat for the next season. This weekend, he will complete his ninth race in the premier category, on a track he knows perfectly.
What awaits Colapinto at Yas Marina Circuit
Colapinto will run his last race of the year Formula 1 on a very special circuit for him, and after suffering a series of accidents that damaged his place in the drivers’ table. In Abu Dhabithe team Williams will seek to add with both drivers and climb some positions in the Constructors Championship.
With Max Verstappen already consecrated champion After the Las Vegas GP, the focus is now on the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren leads with 640 points, followed by Ferrari with 619, leaving a close finish in this team fight. For its part, Colapinto, at the wheel of Williamswill seek not only a good position in the table, but also to strengthen its profile for 2025.
Although 2025 is still a mystery for the Argentine driver, this weekend will be a key opportunity for reaffirm his place in Formula 1 and continue writing its history in the most prestigious category of motorsports, especially after the eventful weekends it had recently. It’s crucial that you can replenish yourself and get the most out of the car you have. concentration and a good team strategy.
Colapinto achieved seventh place in the first free practice
Franco Colapinto had an outstanding performance in the first practice, setting the seventh best time with a record of 1 minute and 25.382 seconds. This result places him among the fastest of the opening day, leaving behind the streak of complicated situations in the last races of the season. However, the weekend did not start well at all for the Williams team, as Both drivers will receive grid penalties on Sunday due to technical violations.
The penalty is due to use of surplus components in the gearboxwhich will affect the starting positions for both Colapinto and his teammate Alexander Albon. Despite this complication, the Argentine driver seeks to close the year with a good result on a special circuit for him, where he debuted in the Formula 2 and had his first experience aboard a Formula 1.
What the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is like
The Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern and spectacular in Formula 1. Designed by architect Hermann Tilke, this track is located on the artificial island of yasnear the capital of the United Arab Emiratesand debuted on the F1 calendar in 2009. It consists of 5,281km and has 16 curves: 9 on the left and 7 on the right. It offers an interesting mix of fast and technical sectors, with long straights and tight curves that demand precision in braking. In addition, it has two long straight lines ideal for DRS and epic overtaking.
Because of the great heat and the abrasive asphaltit is a GP where the wheels wear too much. This is usually taken into account when devising team strategies to improve the performance of the car and the driver. The organizers they planted trees around the circuit to reduce hot wind and weather effects, but it is still very challenging for runners. The last winner was Max Verstappenand Colapinto has a small advantage heading into Sunday. It is because he already knows the route, because that is where it is where he debuted in F2 last year.
Source: Ambito
