Japanese Driver Parade in Abu Dhabi, 3 Talents on Track
Free Practice Report: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Yuki Tsunoda sat out Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, allowing fellow Japanese Honda driver Ayumu Iwasa (car #40) to take the wheel. Iwasa delivered a solid performance, finishing P17 while working on various setup options. Importantly, he avoided any mistakes, ensuring the car remained in perfect condition for FP2 and the rest of the weekend. Tsunoda will likely be pleased, as Iwasa’s clean and professional run protected the car’s integrity. Iwasa is also set to participate in post-season testing with VCARB, while Tsunoda is scheduled to test with Red Bull Racing.
It was a proud day for Japanese motorsport, as Ryo Hirakawa (28) also made an FP1 appearance, replacing Oscar Piastri at McLaren. Hirakawa achieved a respectable P14 without any major incidents, showcasing his reliability and skill. Following FP1, Hirakawa will shift focus to post-season testing, not with McLaren but with Haas, under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Tsunoda returned to action in FP2, taking over from Iwasa to prepare the car for Saturday’s qualifying session. With significant pressure on his shoulders, Tsunoda delivered a strong performance, finishing P10 and outpacing his teammate Liam Lawson P11. It was a solid groundwork for a promising weekend, as Tsunoda aims to leave a lasting impression on Red Bull’s decision-makers.
For Tsunoda, it’s now a matter of delivering consistently on Saturday and Sunday and hoping for the best. As the locals might say, his future lies in fate’s hands—Inshallah.
Read also:
- Yuki Tsunoda Reflects on His Future with Red Bull Racing in Abu Dhabi Press Conference
- Haas F1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu Discusses Ryo Hirakawa’s Upcoming Test and Future Potential
- Ryo Hirakawa to Drive for McLaren in Abu Dhabi GP FP1
- Esteban Ocon Bids Emotional Farewell to Alpine Following Unexpected Exit
- Ben Sulayem’s Answer to Drivers: “We Don’t Follow Other People’s Rules”
