WATCH: Ride onboard with Verstappen as he sets the fastest lap on Day 1 of pre-season testing
Max Verstappen produced both the fastest lap of the morning session and the afternoon one, his best effort a searing 1m 31.344s set on the medium C3 tyres.
The Dutchman picked up where he left off last year, quick from the off and bar some initial struggles with the green circuit, soon was riding the kerbs and looking completely at home in the RB20.
He was in the cockpit all day for Red Bull, amassing an incredible 142 laps – more than double the race distance here. But will Red Bull stay on top tomorrow? It will be the turn of Sergio Perez to get a feel for the RB20, as the Mexican takes over from his team mate.
READ MORE: Verstappen stays on top in Bahrain as first day of pre-season testing concludes
The track will continue to grip up as more rubber is laid down so those times could well tumble, especially if more teams start to bolt on the softer Pirelli tyre compounds.
To watch Verstappen’s fastest lap, hit play on the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
What the teams said – Friday in Abu Dhabi
Verstappen fears Red Bull ‘not quick enough’ in Abu Dhabi
AS IT HAPPENED: Verstappen takes vital Abu Dhabi pole
Verstappen beats Norris to crucial pole in Abu Dhabi
Leclerc says brother’s FP1 run the ‘only positive’ from Friday
Ride onboard with Norris for the fastest lap of Friday in Abu Dhabi