CARLOS SAINZ X WILLIAMS

Carlos Sainz made a strong start with his new team, Williams, during the F1 post-season test in Abu Dhabi, finishing second fastest behind his former teammate Charles Leclerc.

The test came just two days after Sainz finished second in the 2024 season finale, his last race with Ferrari after four years.

The Spaniard officially drove the Williams FW46 for the first time on Tuesday but had already tried the car on Monday in a private session during one of the team’s filming days at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Ferrari allowed Sainz to start working with Williams early, even though he is still under contract with them until December 31. Wearing plain white overalls and a simple helmet, Sainz completed an impressive 146 laps, showing he’s ready to lead Williams into a new chapter.

NICO HULKENBERG X SAUBER

Nico Hulkenberg reunited with Sauber (soon to become Audi in 2026) during the post-season test, 11 years after his first stint with the team back in 2013.

The German driver, who ended his time with Haas with an eighth-place finish in the season finale, is preparing for a new chapter with Sauber for the 2025 season.

Hulkenberg, wearing plain overalls for the test as well, shared the track with his new teammate Gabriel Bortoleto. The young Brazilian recently won the Formula 2 championship in Abu Dhabi and will make his F1 debut in 2025 as one of four rookies on the grid.

Both drivers put in impressive mileage, with Hulkenberg completing 113 laps and setting the fourth-fastest time of the day, while Bortoleto racked up 130 laps.

ESTEBAN OCON X HAAS

Esteban Ocon kicked off his time with Haas, marking the start of a new chapter after his switch from Alpine. Haas is undergoing a complete driver lineup change for 2025, with Nico Hulkenberg moving to Sauber and Kevin Magnussen leaving the team.

Ocon, who completed 119 laps on his first day with Haas, is now preparing for the upcoming season alongside his new teammate, Britain’s Oliver Bearman.

Ocon's participation in the test came after he reached an agreement with Alpine, allowing him to sit out the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and take part in the test. Meanwhile, Alpine gave his 2025 replacement, Jack Doohan, the opportunity to race in Ocon's place.

Because of this agreement, Ocon didn’t have to wear plain racing suit and helmet like Sainz and Hulkenberg as he has been officially released.

YUKI TSUNODA X RED BULL

Last but not least to wear different team wear than throughout the 2024 was Yuki Tsunoda. However, in his case it is still not sure at all if he will be racing for Red Bull.

The experience of driving the RB20 was pushed by his backers and Red Bull's engine partners, Honda. However, his test is not seen as a clear indication that he is in line to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season, despite growing speculation that Perez may lose his seat.

Tsunoda’s participation in the test is more about exploring his potential with Red Bull rather than a direct challenge to Perez’s position.

The Japanese driver completed 127 laps during the day, showing solid pace and reliability. Despite this, Liam Lawson, who also drove for Red Bull on Tuesday, remains the favorite to step into Perez’s seat if needed next year.