Formula 2 drivers get behind the wheel in F1’s Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi

Following the season finale in Yas Marina, newly crowned 2023 Formula 2 Champion Théo Pourchaire was in action in Formula 1’s post-season Young Driver Test today – alongside nine current, former and future racers on the F2 grid.

Fresh off his title success, Pourchaire got back behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo C43. Continuing on from his efforts in Free Practice 1 on Friday, the Frenchman put 96 laps on the board for the Swiss team.

Frederik Vesti was also keeping himself busy after finishing runner-up in the Championship. Once again driving the W14, the Mercedes Junior Team driver earned the third-fastest time of the day with a 1:24.679. The second-quickest rookie behind McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, the Dane racked up 106 laps across the morning and afternoon sessions.

Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan climbed back into the A523 cockpit and finished the day with 107 laps and the seventh-best time of the day. Meanwhile, over at AlphaTauri, Ayumu Iwasa enjoyed his first taste of F1 machinery, completing 96 laps in the AT04.

Oliver Bearman was back for another run in Haas’ VF-23, putting in 110 laps. The Ferrari junior has a jam-packed schedule on his hands as he’ll be getting more laps on the board for PREMA Racing in the F2 post-season test, which begins on Wednesday.

Off the back of his F2 debut with MP Motorsport over the weekend, Franco Colapinto had the chance to make his first appearance getting to grips with an F1 car for Williams. The Argentinian completed 65 laps in the morning session, splitting the FW45’s driving duties with fellow Williams junior Zak O’Sullivan. The Briton notched up 50 laps in the afternoon himself, and both will be back in action in the F2 test ahead of their 2024 campaigns, driving for MP and reigning Teams’ Champions ART Grand Prix respectively.

The rookie star of Friday’s FP1, 2022 Champion Felipe Drugovich got further acquainted with Aston Martin’s AMR23. The team’s reserve driver had plenty of opportunities to learn more about the car as the Brazilian broke the 100-lap barrier, finishing on 123 in total.

Lastly, 2021 runner-up Robert Shwartzman completed Ferrari’s running. Over at the Prancing Horse, he also notched up 123 and finished inside the top eight times of the day.