Charles Leclerc headed the times in the opening practice at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix during a session which comprised numerous rookie runners.
Leclerc was fastest over McLaren’s Lando Norris and the Mercedes drivers, with Lewis Hamilton leading George Russell, as Pierre Gasly completed the top five.
Franco Colapinto split the two Haas cars in sixth and eighth, while Felipe Drugovich was quicker than Fernando Alonso down at Aston Martin to end up in ninth.
[motorsport_result id=’190372′]
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-360x180.webp)
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