P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Mercedes drivers set the pace as several teams utilised the opening session to run their rookie drivers for the year.
George Russell was the fastest in the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting a time of 1:26.072. Felipe Drugovich was just four tenths behind him. Russell improved his time when he switched to soft tires. Several teams used this session to give their rookie drivers a chance to compete. Red Bull replaced their regular drivers with Isack Hadjar and Jake Dennis. Patricio O’Ward, Frederik Vesti, Theo Pourchaire, Oliver Bearman, Jake Doohan, and Zak O’Sullivan also replaced regular drivers for the session. There was a close call between Sargeant and Doohan during the session, and the stewards will investigate the incident.
