The annual post-season test is set to take place on Tuesday at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Two days after the final race, the cars of 2025 will take to the track one last time before the focus shifts definitively to the new Formula 1 era. Ten rookies will get behind the wheel, but several regular drivers will also participate. For instance, Isack Hadjar will make his first laps in Red Bull’s RB21, in preparation for his debut with the main team.
Isack Hadjar – who made a strong debut this year with sister team Racing Bulls – will take over Yuki Tsunoda’s seat next year. The young Parisian will make his official debut during the opening race in Melbourne. Until then, Hadjar will frequently test drive for Red Bull, including during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. As a regular driver, he is part of the Pirelli tire test.
The 21-year-old driver will step into a so-called mule car on Tuesday, a vehicle designed to simulate the aerodynamic load of 2026. After all, the tires for the upcoming season are undergoing significant changes. The new rubbers are 25 millimeters narrower at the front and 30 millimeters at the back. Consequently, the suspension must also be adjusted so that the smaller compounds fit properly under the car.
The post-season test takes place two days after the final GP of Abu Dhabi. The test was first organized in 2009 and has been held annually at Yas Marina since 2010. Participation is not mandatory for current drivers, but it does provide an opportunity for drivers making a transfer to get accustomed to their new environment. This applies to Hadjar, effectively the only driver making a transfer for 2026. In addition to the established names, young talents also participate. Each team is required to make one of the cars available to a rookie, that is, a driver with no more than two Grands Prix to their name.
Who will participate in the post-season test?
| Team | Pirelli Tire Test | Rookie Test |
|---|---|---|
| McLaren | Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri | Pato O’Ward |
| Mercedes | Kimi Antonelli | Frederik Vesti |
| Red Bull | Isack Hadjar | Ayumu Iwasa |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton | Dino Beganovic |
| Williams | Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon | Luke Browning |
| Racing Bulls | Liam Lawson | Arvid Lindblad |
| Aston Martin | Stoffel Vandoorne | Jak Crawford |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman | Ryo Hirakawa |
| Stake | Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg | Paul Aron |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | Kush Maini |
