Full results FP1 GP Abu Dhabi | Mercedes fastest, substitute Lawson P5

At the first free practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Mercedes once again managed to take the first two places. A week after the team's first win this season, the Silver Arrows closed the free practice in places one and two, ahead of Charles Leclerc, Sergio Perez and substitute Liam Lawson.

The session was marked by many teams trying out experimental approaches and the many substitutes on the track. As many as eight regular drivers had to give up their car to a substitute. At Red Bull, that meant Max Verstappen stayed in the pit box while Red Bull junior talent Lawson took care of the practice.

For most of the practice, the front was a case of a trade-off between Leclerc and Perez for the fastest time. It was only towards the closing stages that Mercedes stepped up a little and Lewis Hamilton managed to grab the fastest time, immediately followed by George Russell who took second place. Perez still tried but the Mexican's soft tyres were too badly used up to really pose a serious threat. Lawson ended practice in a handsome fifth place.