F1 post season test Abu Dhabi halted due to red flag

Although the F1 season is over, for the drivers it is still some time to go. Today, the 'Post season test' is on the programme, as well as a tyre test in which the Pirelli's will be tested heavily. Only things are not running smoothly yet at the Yas Marina Circuit.

It all started 25 minutes later than originally planned. The reason: there was no helicopter present that could intervene in any medical situations. The teams were told to wait for the sound of the helicopter, which was their only indication of what time the test would start.

Now hearing the delay is due to a lack of medical helicopter in place, so it could be a little longer. Teams have just been told: “When you hear the helicopter it’ll nearly be time to start” #F1 #AbuDhabiTest

— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) November 28, 2023

So although it all started 25 minutes later, the test was not extended and ran until 18:00 local time.

Red flag

The teams were all brought back in around 10 o'clock local time when the red flag was waved. The reason for this was a leak on the track, coming from the bridge near the W Hotel. Meanwhile, all drivers are back on the track.

There’s currently a red flag in #F1Testing due to a water leak under the W Hotel bridge. The circuit team are working to dry out to surface to allow us to run again. #HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/KRzgI0CuPX

— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) November 28, 2023

Which drivers are participating?

Not all 20 full-time F1 drivers are taking part in the test. It is a healthy mix of F1 drivers and rookies who get to get their minutes this way. For instance, Formula E driver Jake Dennis gets to learn his way around Max Verstappen's RB19. You can see the state of affairs below, the times are from 11 am local time, with seven hours to go until the end of the test.