There was not even time to put aside the controversy for the incredible finale of the 2021 season that drivers and cars found themselves on the track again, again in the glittering setting of Abu Dhabi, to carry out the before the two days of post-seasonal testing organized by Pirelli to test the 18-inch tires that will be used next season in conjunction with the introduction of the new technical regulation. In terms of technical value, these two days inevitably have less significance than the end-of-season tests of the past few years. The cars lined up on the track by the teams are in fact nothing more than mule cars, which have nothing to do with the single-seaters that we will see in 2022.
On the other hand, the various line-ups of drivers presented by the teams generate reason for interest. An interesting mix of owners, reserves and – above all – new signings. In fact, George Russell made his ‘second’ debut in Mercedes, flanked by Nyck De Vries. The reigning Formula E champion replaces Lewis Hamilton in this two days. Eyes then naturally focused on Alfa Romeo, which has lined up its starting couple next year at Yas Marina: Bottas-Zhou. Among the most interesting innovations were the entrances to the track of Pato O’Ward, with McLaren, Oscar Piastri – new F2 champion – with Alpine and Antonio Fuoco, who alternated with Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. Among the Jupiters on the track also Yelloly (Aston Martin), Lawson (AlphaTauri), Vips (Red Bull) and Sargeant (Williams).
The new world champion returned to the track Max Verstappen. The Dutchman from Red Bull with still showed off his new # 1, but on the other hand he presented himself with a pair of golden shoes, as a small ‘hallmark’ of the championship just won. The other ‘owners’ on the track are Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Schumacher and Stroll.
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