Aussie rising star Oscar Piastri has upstaged McLaren teammate Lando Norris on his first day as an official Formula 1 driver.
The F2 world champion finally got behind the wheel of his McLaren for the first time on Tuesday — and showed he belongs alongside the world’s best drivers.
The 21-year-old was impressive in his time on circuit during the official post-season testing event in Abu Dhabi and bested his teammate — something Daniel Ricciardo was unable to do in 2022 — by more than 0.5 seconds.
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Both McLaren drivers completed more than 100 laps.
It was an even better day for Aussie teenager Jack Doohan, who went quicker than both the McLaren drivers, finishing 11th fastest overall as Alpine’s reserve driver for 2023.
Doohan has replaced Piastri as Alpine’s No. 3 driver after Piastri punted Ricciardo from the papaya-coloured team.
Piastri was just happy to get his McLaren career underway.
“A good first day with McLaren, I think we learnt a lot,” Piastri said.
“It was great to finally join up with the team, and thanks to them for a good day of running.
“We did a lot of laps and experimented a lot, which is exactly what today is all about.
“I’ve got a good idea where to improve for next year, I really enjoyed it, it’s nice to finally be back out on track finally and experience the 2022 cars.
“I’m looking forward to next year now. I’ll be in the factory next week to meet the whole team, after that I’ll take a short break before getting back to work with McLaren to prepare for next year.”
Ferrari set the pace with Carlos Sainz 0.5 seconds quicker than the nearest non-Ferrari driver, Pierre Gasly from Alpine. World champion Max Verstappen was fifth.
Formula 1 post-season testing in Abu Dhabi
1. Carlos Sainz — Ferrari — 1:25.245
2. Charles Leclerc — Ferrari — 1:25.383
3. Robert Shwartzman — Ferrari (young driver) — 1:25.400
4. Pierre Gasly — Alpine — 1:25.689
5. Max Verstappen — Red Bull —1:25.845
6. Alex Albon — Williams — 1:25.969
7. Logan Sargeant — Williams — 1:26.063
8. Nyck de Vries — AlphaTauri — 1:26.111
9. Lance Stroll — Aston Martin — 1:26.263
10. Liam Lawson —Red Bull — 1:26.281
11. Jack Doohan — Alpine — 1:26.281
12. Fernando Alonso — Aston Martin — 1:26.312
13. Sergio Perez — Red Bull — 1:26.333
14, Oscar Piastri — McLaren — 1:26.340
15. Felipe Drugovich — Aston Martin — 1:26.595
16. Valtteri Bottas — Alfa Romeo — 1:26.709
17. Lewis Hamilton — Mercedes — 1:26.750
18. Lando Norris — McLaren — 1:26.890
19. Nico Hulkenberg — Haas — 1:27.000
20. Yuki Tsunoda — AlphaTauri — 1:27.123
21. Pietro Fittipaldi — Haas — 1:27.172
22. Frederick Vesti — Mercedes — 1:27.216
23 George Russell — Mercedes — 1:27.240
24. Theo Pourchaire — Alfa Romeo — 1:27.591
