2021 Abu Dhabi GP : Post-Friday practice reactions from Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll

Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team had a solid Friday as team completed its full practice programme in preparation for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As a team their drivers completed total of 105 laps of the Yas Marina Circuit, Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel gathered crucial data ahead of Sunday’s season finale.

In the FP1, Sebastian Vettel managed to complete 26 laps while posting a 1:26.007 lap to go 10th fastest. His team mate Lance Stroll also matched Vettel’s lap count with 26, but the Canadian’s fast lap of 1:26.608 was just good enough for P15.

In the FP2, which was representative of the twilight conditions of qualifying and the race, both drivers struggled for the pace. Sebastian Vettel completed 27 laps with a fastest lap time of 1:25.195, which is good enough for P14 on the final timesheet.

Lance Stroll completed 26 laps and clocked fastest lap of 1:25.385, which put him in P15 just below his team mate.

Sebastian Vettel: 

“It is a good challenge to have the new circuit layout and it is faster and more exciting to drive.

“I think some of the weaker turns have been replaced with stronger corners – the highlight being the new banked Turn Nine. We are still learning the circuit, but it is a positive first impression. 

“The goal now is to extract more from the car and finish qualifying for the year on a high tomorrow.”

Lance Stroll: 

“It was good to experience the new Yas Marina Circuit layout today. It is definitely faster and has more flow to it, which makes it cool and fun to drive. We were able to complete our programme today and put in some good laps.

“We have learned a lot across the two sessions, so now it is about reviewing the data and trying to extract some more performance ahead of qualifying tomorrow.”