F1: IndyCar’s O’Ward schools European F1 hopefuls in testing
Two concurrent F1 tests are underway at Abu Dhabi today:
- All of the teams taking part in 18-inch tire testing using 2018 Mule cars – modified 2018 cars built to run the newer, bigger wheels that are set to be introduced in 2022.
- A dedicated Young Driver Test. All of the teams are fielding a junior driver (of two Grands Prix experience or fewer), who are able to drive the 2021 cars on the outgoing 13-inch wheels.
The morning session of the first day saw McLaren’s IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward get his first experience in an F1 car, where he set the pace.
Tuesday Morning Times
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Laps | Car |
| 1. | Pato O’Ward | McLaren | 1:25.260 | 48 | 2021 |
| 2. | Oscar Piastri | Alpine | 1:25.480 | 59 | 2021 |
| 3. | Nyck de Vries | Mercedes | 1:25.549 | 35 | 2021 |
| 4. | Nick Yelloly | Aston Martin | 1:26.254 | 54 | 2021 |
| 5. | Guanyu Zhou | Alfa Romeo | 1:26.263 | 42 | 2021 |
| 6. | Liam Lawson | AlphaTauri | 1:26.365 | 62 | 2021 |
| 7. | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:26.579 | 64 | 2018 Mule |
| 8. | Juri Vips | Red Bull | 1:26.647 | 71 | 2021 |
| 9. | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:26.989 | 87 | 2018 Mule |
| 10. | Antonio Fuoco | Ferrari | 1:27.324 | 70 | 2021 |
| 11. | Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri | 1:27.348 | 50 | 2018 Mule |
| 12. | Logan Sargeant | Williams | 1:27.476 | 76 | 2021 |
| 13. | Daniel Ricciardo | McLaren | 1:27.508 | 36 | 2018 Mule |
| 14. | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 1:28.112 | 58 | 2018 Mule |
| 15. | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:28.978 | 47 | 2018 Mule |
| 16. | Valtteri Bottas | Alfa Romeo | 1:29.601 | 47 | 2018 Mule |
| 17. | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:30.134 | 57 | 2018 Mule |
| 18. | Mick Schumacher | Haas | 1:30.345 | 25 | 2018 Mule |