F1 | Ferrari completes 258 laps in the Abu Dhabi tests

La Ferrari concluded its 2023 by bringing ad on track today Abu Dhabi, on the day dedicated to off-season testing, the two starting drivers Carlos Sainz e Charles Leclerc and the reserve Robert Schwartzman. The Spaniard, who alternated with the Monegasque at the wheel of the SF-23, started with the C2, then moved on to the C5 and then closed with the C3. With the softest compound, the C5, he set a benchmark time of 1'24”769 until the lunch break. In the afternoon session it was Leclerc's turn, with Charles riding the C5, C1 and C4 achieving his best performance in 1'25"371.

Shwartzman, at the wheel of the SF-23 for the entire day, ran with three different compounds (C3, C4 and C5) setting his best time in 1'25”050. The Cavallino reserve driver was unable to improve his performance due to the red flag caused by Ayumu Iwasa's AlphaTauri. Overall the two Ferraris completed 0 laps: 258 with the Sainz-Leclerc duo and 135 with Shwartzman.

“It was an intense day in which we tested many things, completing a total of 123 laps – declared Shwartzman – Both the team and I are happy with how it went and I really enjoyed driving a Formula 1 car for a another full day. We did some laps in race configuration which allowed us to check our pace and monitor tire degradation, gathering valuable information. At the end of the session we also did a few laps in qualifying configuration. Unfortunately, one attempt was interrupted by the red flag while the other was disturbed by traffic."

Shwartzman then added: “The plan now is for me to return to Maranello for some simulator work, to help the engineers before taking a holiday break at the end of this long year. I will recharge my batteries for next year, which I can't wait to start working towards."