F1 | Abu Dhabi GP: Bottas dictates the pace in the first free practices

The first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended a few minutes early due to Sebastian Vettel's spin at turn 19. The SF90 crashed into the barriers, damaging the rear; pilot fortunately OK!

The best time of the morning goes to Valtteri Bottas, author of the best lap in 1:16.957, followed by Max Verstappen, half a second behind. Third time for Lewis Hamilton's other Mercedes.

Alex Albon was fourth, ahead of Sebastian Vettel who, as mentioned earlier, was involved in a spin. Good sixth time for Romain Grosjean's Haas who precedes Charles Leclerc, 2,2 seconds behind Bottas.

Eighth time for the other Haas of Kevin Magnussen with Antonio Giovinazzi and Nico Hulkenberg (in his last race in Formula 1, ed.) closing the Top 10.

The session was also interrupted at 11:00 am due to the engine failure of Daniel Ricciardo's Renault resulting in an oil leak. It should be noted that it was a free practice engine, so no penalty will be imposed on the Australian.

Meet at 14pm for the second free practice session on the Yas Marina circuit.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: the results of the first free practice session

Pos. N. Driver Team Time
1 77 V. Bottas Mercedes 1’36″957
2 33 M. Verstappen Red Bull 1’37″492
3 44 L. Hamilton Mercedes 1’37″591
4 23 A. Albon Red Bull 1’38″084
5 5 S. Vettel Ferrari 1’38″906
6 8 R. Grosjean Haas 1’39″146
7 16 C. Leclerc Ferrari 1’39″249
8 20 K. Magnussen Haas 1’39″350
9 99 A. Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo 1’39″423
10 27 N. Hulkenberg Renault 1’39″505
11 4 L. Norris McLaren 1’39″628
12 18 L. Stroll Racing Point 1’39″864
13 7 K. Raikkonen Alfa Romeo 1’39″888
14 11 S. Perez Racing Point 1’39″901
15 26 D. Kvyat Toro Rosso 1’39″969
16 10 P. Gasly Toro Rosso 1’40″401
17 55 C. Sainz McLaren 1’40″687
18 88 R. Kubica Williams 1’40″792
19 3 D. Ricciardo Renault 1’40″850
20 63 G. Russell Williams 1’41″362