Red Bull react to FP2

Red Bull’s weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has started brilliantly with a one-two in FP1 and only being beaten by Valtteri Bottas in FP2, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo have a lot to be optimistic about going into qualifying and the race itself.

Daniel Ricciardo will leave for Renault for the 2019 season after the Australian got tired of playing second fiddle to Verstappen, with Pierre Gasly stepping up from Toro Rosso to join the Dutchman.

Despite this, both Red Bull drivers seemed in good spirits following their successful practice sessions.

Speaking to Sky Sports Verstappen said: “On most of the corners on the track it's working really well, I'm really happy with that."

Australian Ricciardo added: “I’m excited. We looked pretty good.”

Red Bull have struggled at this track in recent years and are without a podium since 2013 and Christian Horner revealed that the long straights are working surprisingly well for the Red Bulls, a feature which would normally suit the Ferrari’s.

“The long run pace in particular looks very good," Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Sky F1. "The chassis is working beautifully."

However, The Scuderia are expected to turn up their engines going into Saturday’s qualifying, which could change things.