FIRST LOOK: Five drivers debut for new teams at Abu Dhabi F1 test

Five drivers have made their first appearance for their new teams at the end-of-season Abu Dhabi F1 test. Here are the first photos of them in action.

Lewis Larkam

22 Nov 2022

F1 2022 Abu Dhabi Post-Season Test - End of Day Results

Just two days after Max Verstappen rounded out a record-breaking F1 2022 season with his 15th victory of the year at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the drivers returned to action for a final day of testing.

The Yas Marina circuit hosted a one-day post-season test, which was split into running for rookie drivers as well as being a Pirelli test day for their 2023 tyres, with each team fielding two cars.

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso made his debut for Aston Martin, having announced his bombshell switch from midfield rivals Alpine in the summer.

The two-time world champion had to get permission to take part in the test and is on loan from Alpine as he’s still contracted to the Anglo-French squad. As a result, Alonso wore all-black overalls and drove a sponsor-less car.

Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team. Formula 1 Testing, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Monday.- — Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin F1 Team. Formula 1 Testing, Yas Marina…

Pierre Gasly

Alonso’s replacement at Alpine, Pierre Gasly is still under contract until the end of the year and was on loan at his new team for the day. He too wore plain overalls.

Pierre Gasly (FRA), Alpine F1 Team Formula 1 Testing, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Monday.- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: — Pierre Gasly (FRA), Alpine F1 Team Formula 1 Testing, Yas Marina Circuit,…

Oscar Piastri

Three months on from being at the centre of an F1 contract saga with Alpine, Oscar Piastri made his first appearance as a McLaren driver in the test. Alpine agreed to release him from his contract early so the 2021 F2 champion could start work at McLaren.

Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren. Formula 1 Testing, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Monday.- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: — Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren. Formula 1 Testing, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu…

Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg is back in F1 action as he completed his first day of running for Haas, following confirmation of his comeback to the sport on a full-time basis, replacing Mick Schumacher from next season.

Nyck de Vries

Nyck de Vries made his first appearance with AlphaTauri, a seat he secured thanks to his impressive points-scoring F1 debut as a last-minute stand-in for Williams at the Italian Grand Prix. De Vries drove 151 laps on Tuesday - more than anybody else.

Logant Sargeant

One day after having his place in the F1 2023 driver line-up officially confirmed, Logan Sargeant is back behind the wheel for Williams, while F2 race-winner Frederik Vesti was handed his first outing in an F1 car, driving Mercedes’ W13.