Last Formula 1 day 2023 with 25 drivers: Ocon in the lead, Russell crash and Iwasa fire

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The Frenchman Ocon took the “win” in the Alpine ahead of the Mexican O’Ward (McLaren) and the number two of Formula 2, Vesti (Mercedes). The two Saubers, who together completed more than 200 laps of the 5.2 km circuit, finished in position 11 (Formula 2 champion Pourchaire) and 24 (Zhou).

9 hours, 25 pilots

Formula 1 has therefore decided on 2023 in nine hours with a total of 25 drivers and more than 2000 laps: end of the fire here in Abu Dhabi. On February 21, 2024, we will continue with three days of testing in the desert – then in Bahrain.

For a long time, Sainz and Pérez were the only two winners of the season besides Max Verstappen. Pérez won in Jeddah and Baku, Sainz in Singapore.

Crash by Russell – Red

The final test day at 32 degrees and with a clear ban on testing new parts was interrupted after four hours by a small impact by Russell in the Mercedes with the red flag for half an hour.

All ten teams were allowed to use two cars, one of which always had to be occupied by young drivers. Verstappen, Hamilton, Bottas, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Norris and Gasly had already said goodbye to the GP circus on Sunday.

Two handsome Ferrari talents

Of the young talents, the strongest performance probably came from Ferrari test driver Shwartzman (8th), the Israeli alone completed 124 laps. Only Fittipaldi in the Haas (19th) spent 130 laps longer on the track.

However, a quick Blick poll in the media room showed that another driver had the most confidence in the future: Oliver Bearman (18) from the Ferrari Academy.

Antonelli – the new Piastri?

The Briton will take part in the three-day Formula 2 tests here in Abu Dhabi from Wednesday, as will most of the final GP testers (apart from F2 champions Drugovich and Pourchaire).

But one rider from Bologna is in the spotlight: Andrea Kimi Antonelli (17). The current winner of the European Formula Region comes from a middle-class family of drivers and has both feet on the ground.

“Italy needs a great driver!”

Italian star reporter Robert Chinchero told Blick: “It’s time for Italy to finally get a sensible driver again!” Well, Antonelli has been under contract with Mercedes for two years. He is considered the new Senna or Piastri. Then we are enthusiastic.

Last test day 2023

1. Ocon (Friday, Alpine) 1:24.393
2. O’Ward (Mex, McLaren) 1:24.662
3. Vesti (Dä, Mercedes) 1:24.679
4. Pérez (Mex, Red Bull) 1:24.715
5. Sainz (Sp, Ferrari) 1:24.799
6. Alonso (Sp, Aston Martin) 1:24.827
7. Doohan (Aus, Alpine) 1:25.083
8. Shwartzman (Isr, Ferrari) 1:25.050
9. Sargeant (USA, Williams) 1:25,263
10. Leclerc (Mon, Ferrari) 1:25.371
11. Pourchaire (Friday, Clean) 1:25,424
12. Drugovich (Bra, Aston Martin) 1:25,554
13. Tsunoda (Jap, Alpha Tauri) 1:25,570
14. Dennis (GB, Red Bull) 1:25.666
15. Iwasa (Jap, Alpha Tauri) 1:25,753
16. Bearman (GB, Haas) 1:25.779
17.0’Sullivan (GB, Williams) 1:25.842
18. Piastri (Aus, McLaren) 1:25.930
19. Fittipaldi (Bra, Haas) 1:25.940
20. Russell (GB, Mercedes) 1:26.283
21. Walk (Ka, Aston Martin) 1:26.681
22. Colapinto (Arg, Williams) 1:16,832
23. Ricciardo (Aus, Alpha Tauri) 1:26.965
24. Zhou (China, clean) 1:27,387
25. Albon (Thais, Williams) 1:27.824

Source : Blick