Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2020: Formula One drivers hit the road at Yas Marina Circuit

Hamilton, and Schumacher provide talking points in Abu Dhabi, as Raikkonen has fire drama

Published: December 11, 2020 15:44 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

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Lewis Hamilton, the Formula One world champion, was finally back on track for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice session on Friday. The British Mercedes star almost missed the race due to a positive COVID-19 test in Bahrain, but he recovered in time for the 2020 season finale in the UAE. Image Credit: Reuters

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Drivers wasted no time to get out on the iconic race, that will ring a number of changes. It looked like legendary driver Robert Kubica's last time on track as he is set to retire after resting for Haas. Image Credit: Reuters

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Haas also showed a glimpse of the future as they gave young Mick Schumacher - the F2 champion and son of the great Michael Schumacher - the first session. Image Credit: AFP

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Max Verstappen set the fastest time of the day session on Friday. Image Credit: Reuters

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Charles LeClerc will be hoping for a change in fortunes. The Italian marque has struggled all season and LeClerc crashed out of the last race at Sakhir in Bahrain. Image Credit: AFP

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Another man making a change is Sebastian Vettel, who will be departing Ferrari after Sunday's race. Image Credit: Reuters

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As the shadows got longer, drivers started to turn their attention to the twilight second session on Friday, as that will be similar to the race conditions. Image Credit: AFP

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With Sunday's showdown beginning shortly before sunset, the second session on Friday will give more accurate information in the cooler temperatures. Image Credit: AFP

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And sure enough, as the sun went down, the lap times began to tumble. Image Credit: AFP

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Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas set the marker with a 1:362.76 around the Yas track. Image Credit: AFP

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However, as Hamilton and the other drivers went for a last push to top the timesheets, Kimi Raikkonen's Alfa Romeo caught fire from an apparent oil leak and there was no time for a last flying lap. Image Credit: AFP

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