Pirelli took advantage of the presence of the Formula 1 teams in Abu Dhabi to organize a test day for the new range of wider tires, which are set to debut in 2017.<\/p>\n
The three leading teams, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull, therefore provided their modified 2015 cars and drivers to carry out these tests. At Ferrari, only Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen took the wheel today, while Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen exchanged driving duties within the Austrian team.<\/p>\n
At Mercedes, however, the situation is more unclear. Lewis Hamilton, initially scheduled to drive today, had initially decided not to take the wheel before eventually slipping into the single-seater this morning.<\/p>\n
But his participation was short-lived as the Briton had to withdraw after just a few laps, feeling unwell, without the team providing further details about his health. Pascal Wehrlein quickly stepped in to finish the day.<\/p>\n
At a time when controversies concerning a rift between Lewis Hamilton and his team continue to escalate, this strange imbroglio is unlikely to ease the situation.<\/p>\n
\nHere’s something that’s never been seen before: two cars together, both with #Fit4F1<\/a> wide 2017 tyres! pic.twitter.com\/IWfNgBLDt1<\/a><\/p>\n