HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from FP1 in Abu Dhabi as Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2

Mercedes made a strong start to their Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend as Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets in FP1 ahead of team mate George Russell.

Hamilton set a time of 1m 26.633s to lead Russell by 0.220s, with Charles Leclerc, in the Ferrari, rounding out the top three. Sergio Perez was fourth quickest ahead of Liam Lawson – filling in for Max Verstappen at Red Bull – in fifth.

Sebastian Vettel was sixth fastest, ahead of Robert Shwartzman – replacing Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari – in seventh, Daniel Ricciardo in eighth, Valtteri Bottas in ninth and Alex Albon in 10th.

FP1: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in first practice at Yas Marina as a host of youngsters get their chance to shine

There were no red flags in the session although we did see a few drivers lock up and run wide, while Logan Sargeant – in for Nicholas Latifi at Williams – spun off at Turn 1, although he did stop the car from hitting the barrier.

Click on the video player above to relive the action from FP1 at the Yas Marina Circuit ahead of the second practice session at 1700 local time.