George Russell set the pace for Mercedes in the opening practice session for the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
The Briton posted a time of 1:26.072s on the Soft tyre to lead proceedings by 0.288s over Felipe Drugovich, standing in for Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin.
Drugovich was among several drivers filling in as teams sought to fulfil their mandatory obligation to field a rookie driver on two occasions during the year.
Daniel Ricciardo wound up third fastest in the upgraded AlphaTauri, ahead of Valtteri Bottas in the Alfa Romeo and Lance Stroll in the other Aston Martin.
Oscar Piastri was sixth, while the two Ferrari cars were next. Carlos Sainz led Robert Shwartzman, who replaced Charles Leclerc for FP1.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was ninth, with Yuki Tsunoda in the second AlphaTauri rounding out the top 10 in daylight at the Yas Marina Circuit.
[motorsport_result id=’138921′]
