As the sun sets on the 2023 Formula 1 season, the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi plays host to the final race weekend. Friday’s practice sessions provided teams and drivers with valuable insights into their performance and potential strategies for the upcoming qualifying and race.

Red Bull Racing

The championship-winning team showed promising pace, with Max Verstappen topping the timesheets in FP2. However, Sergio Perez faced some challenges, finishing outside the top 10 in both sessions. The team remains confident in their ability to fine-tune their setups for optimal performance.

Mercedes

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton demonstrated competitive lap times, with both drivers finishing in the top five during FP2. The team’s focus lies on maximizing their performance to secure second place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz showed mixed results, with Leclerc consistently in the top three while Sainz struggled to find the right balance. The team is working diligently to optimize their car setup for the crucial qualifying session.

McLaren

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri displayed strong pace, particularly in the long runs. The team is optimistic about their chances for a competitive weekend, building on their recent successes.

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll had a productive day, focusing on understanding tire behavior and refining their setups. The team aims to end the season on a high note with strong performances from both drivers.

Alpine

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly showed promising speed, particularly in the cooler conditions of FP2. The team is working on finding the right balance between qualifying pace and race performance.

Williams

Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant had a challenging day, struggling to find the optimal setup for the Yas Marina Circuit. The team is focusing on data analysis to improve their performance for the remainder of the weekend.

AlphaTauri

Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo showed glimpses of potential, with Tsunoda finishing in the top 10 during FP2. The team is working on refining their strategy to maximize their chances in the midfield battle.

Alfa Romeo

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu had a productive day, gathering valuable data to optimize their car setup. The team is aiming to end the season on a positive note with strong performances from both drivers.

Haas

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen faced challenges in finding the right balance for their cars. The team is working tirelessly to improve their performance for qualifying and the race.

Key Takeaways from Friday’s Practice

• Tire management will play a crucial role in race strategy, with teams closely monitoring degradation rates.
• The evolving track conditions from day to night will significantly impact car performance and setup choices.
• The tight midfield battle promises an exciting qualifying session and race, with several teams vying for valuable championship points.
• Teams are focusing on optimizing their cars for both single-lap pace and long-run performance.

Looking Ahead

As teams analyze the data gathered from Friday’s practice sessions, all eyes are on Saturday’s qualifying. The final race of the season promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed year of Formula 1.

For those interested in exploring how teams leverage data and automation to gain a competitive edge, automation tools play a crucial role in modern motorsport strategies.

With the stage set for an exciting weekend, fans and teams alike eagerly anticipate the crowning moments of the 2023 Formula 1 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.