Sainz’s first laps with McLaren, Leclerc joins Ferrari

Carlos Sainz's first laps with McLaren, Charles Leclerc joins Ferrari
Carlos Sainz put in his first laps as a McLaren driver as he took to the Yas Marina circuit on Wednesday for Day Two of the post-season test.
The Spaniard, who was a Renault 72 hours prior, is one of several high profile moves as he replaces Fernando Alonso at McLaren for the 2019 campaign.
The second day of testing gets underway with Carlos’ first lap in a McLaren. 👊#AbuDhabiTest pic.twitter.com/RJUhtI02zD
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 28, 2018
Even Renault were keen to see their former driver Sainz behind the wheel of the MCL33.
Final day of testing! Final day of running for 2018!
We’re not out yet… Can we post a photo of Carlos instead @McLarenF1? 🧡💛🧡#RSspirit #F1Testing #RenaultFamily pic.twitter.com/Z10hq6x7IU— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) November 28, 2018
Meanwhile Charles Leclerc covered his first laps as a Ferrari driver, the youngest to drive for the Scuderia in three decades.
Charles Leclerc in action with the SF71H today, at @ymcofficial #F1 #F1Testing #CL16 #TeamLeclerc @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/BLVvqtYksZ
— Charles Leclerc #16 (@LeclercNews) November 28, 2018
Watch him go…
First day at the new office: @Charles_Leclerc leaves the @ScuderiaFerrari garage 🔴#F1Testing pic.twitter.com/rgEvjp4hmL
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 28, 2018
Lance Stroll spent more time in the Force India.
Ironically the most expected move, probably in the history of F1’s moves, and yet the only seat on the grid yet to be confirmed.
Run completed – back in the warm embrace of the crew! #AbuDhabiTest pic.twitter.com/6VuTsR6EyJ
— Racing Point Force India F1 (@ForceIndiaF1) November 28, 2018
With Red Bull refusing to release Daniel Ricciardo for the test, Renault ran Nico Hulkenberg on Tuesday before handing the RS18 over to test driver Artem Markelov for the second and final day.
Testing, testing, testing… #HamsterWheel#RSspirit #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/cDYvSM1CHG
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) November 28, 2018
Robert Kubica continued his preparations ahead of his return to the grid in 2019.
Robert heads back out as we get stuck into our morning programme at the Abu Dhabi @pirellisport tyre test #F1 #robertkubica pic.twitter.com/iqMzHu0zaO
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2018
Haas handed Louis Deletraz a first-ever F1 experience.
29 laps on the board for @LouisDeletraz so far this morning. Best lap of 1:40.154 on the ultrasoft rubber. #F1Testing #HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/VzYWAUXR4F
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) November 28, 2018
George Russell replaced Robert Kubica for the afternoon session.
Making the most of the final few hours 👍 #F1 #AbuDhabiTest 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/1jfsxA4h6C
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2018
Valtteri Bottas had a busy day in the W09.
Wow! 132 laps and counting for @ValtteriBottas 👊
The Finn is making the most of his last day with W09. We’re gonna miss her too, VB! #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/dXnZKaO6Dk
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) November 28, 2018
New 2019 Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly jumped into the RB14 for a few laps of fun.
Pierre getting his first taste of track action in the RB14 today 👊🇦🇪 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/H5VJIJmuZF
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 28, 2018