Today the first of a two days session of tests took place in Abu Dhabi. Two were the types of cars out on track: mules, driven by official team drivers in order to test the new 18-inch Pirelli tyres, and the ones that competed in the past season, on the occasion of the young driver's test. Most drivers completed around 100 laps at Yas Marina, and, for some of them, it was the first time out on track in their new team colours.

It was Valtteri Bottas's first taste of Alfa Romeo. The Finn, formally still a Mercedes driver until the end of the year, completed 127 laps, setting the 12th time overall, and also split the garage for the first time with his new teammate, Alpine Academy driver Guanyu Zhou, who ended the F2 season in P3 and took part in the young driver's test for the Italian-Swiss team setting the fifth time.

Not a first time, but a definitely welcome return after filling in for Lewis Hamilton at the Sakir 2020 GP, was George Russell at Mercedes. The British driver tested the new Pirelli tyres once again for the German team after the Hungaroring tests. For Mercedes drove today also 2021 FE Champion Nyck de Vries, taking part in the young driver's test and setting the fastest time among all the cars involved in the tests.

McLaren featured a rookie driver as well, Arrow McLaren driver for IndyCar and title contender Pato O'Ward, who won a bet against Zak Brown by winning his first race in the championship, while Daniel Ricciardo testing the new tyres and suffered from an engine failure, causing the first red flag of the day. The Mexican driver, formerly backed by Red Bull, led the morning session and commented on his F1 debut:

"Today was awesome! The car exceeded my expectations of what it’s capable of – it’s ridiculous how much grip there is, specifically in the fast corners – it’s unbelievable."

"My head actually was just looking down because I couldn’t hold it up! It’s such an awesome car. What a great experience I didn’t want the day to finish. I’d like to thank Zak, Andreas and everyone in the F1 team for supporting me through this incredible day."

F1 Champion Max Verstappen returned behind the wheel after the controversial Abu Dhabi GP, ending up in P17, while Juri Vips drove for Red Bull again after last seasons' young driver's final tests. The Estonian caused one of three red flags, while his F2 Hitech teammate Liam Lawson in the AlphaTauri set the second-fastest time of the day.

Lawson was extremely impressed by his experience: "What an amazing day, it’s incredible how unbelievably fast these cars are. I’ve obviously driven in the simulator before and when I’m there I always think that there’s no way that the car can actually be that quick in real life, but it really is."

F2 champion of 2021, Oscar Piastri, clocked the third quickest time of the day in the Alpine. 

Something tells us @oscarpiastri enjoyed his 131 laps in the #A521 😉 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/8IDyZVegNv

— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) December 14, 2021

GT driver Antonio Fuoco, who also ran the mule in the afternoon, and F2 championship runner-up Robert Shwartzmann in the afternoon, set the tenth fastest time and will also do duties for Haas tomorrow after Mick Schumacher.

Aston Martin's lineup featured Lance Stroll and their simulator driver Nick Yelloly, while Williams only took part in the young driver's test, as, due to financial issues, they weren't able to afford the building of the mule able to support the new tyres. So, newly appointed Williams Academy driver Logan Sargeant, who will race in F2 with Carlin in 2022, wasn't partnered by Alex Albon, and the British team won't take part in the last day of testing, as the younger drivers can only do one day. 

Who was the fastest of the #Fit4F1 18-inch runners today? See below to find out. Please note: the young drivers using 13-inch tyres aren't included on this table. @F1 @fia pic.twitter.com/55PjmnN8V7

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) December 14, 2021