The Abu Dhabi post-season test is one of the best Formula 1 events of the season, as drivers get stuck in with their new teams ahead of the upcoming campaign.
For 2025, there is no shortage of driver moves meaning that days after the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, personnel switches are happening all over the place.
Nico Hulkenberg joins Sauber from Haas, and Carlos Sainz moves to Williams from Ferrari after securing second place in his last race for them.
Esteban Ocon is also back in a cockpit after being replaced for the final race of the season by Jack Doohan at Alpine – as he begins preparations with Haas.
Why Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg are in plain overalls
It’s a usual phenomenon for drivers testing before the end of the year to drive for their new teams in plain overalls.
Lewis Hamilton is the exception this year, being left out of the test as he is required in Malaysia to say goodbye to Petronas as part of his contractual commitments with Mercedes.
On the topic of contracts, it’s the main reason why Sainz and Hulkenberg have been forced to wear neutral colours while driving for their new teams.
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While Ocon is driving for a new team too, he was released from his contract last week and is therefore permitted to wear Haas colours.
Typically only after December 31 are drivers then free to parade around in any gear associated with their new employers – so the drivers have a few more weeks to wait yet.
Sainz starts Williams term with impressive pace in Abu Dhabi
While many drivers take time to adjust to their new machinery – modern Formula 1 dictates that cannot be an issue.
Long gone are the days when teams had unlimited running and could put new drivers in their old cars for a smoother transition.
For most of the days’ running at the Abu Dhabi post-season test, Sainz sat top of the timesheets for Williams – an impressive accolade in what has been a slow car.
READ MORE: Martin Brundle shares why Carlos Sainz is a ‘class act’ after leaving Ferrari for Williams next season
Of course, we don’t know fuel or engine levels, but to remain atop everyone for almost the entire day is mighty.
It might suggest that the team are ready to make a march through the pack in 2025 and seriously challenge for points at every race.
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