F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Celis to get sixth Force India FP1 outing in Abu Dhabi

Force India has announced that development driver Alfonso Celis Jr. will get another opportunity in the team's VJM09 during Friday's FP1 at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 20-year-old will take over Renault-bound Nico Hulkenberg’s seat for the first 90-minute practice at the Yas Marina Circuit on the opening morning.

It will be Celis' sixth race weekend appearance this year, as he has previously had seat time in Bahrain, Russia, Austria, Italy, and COTA.

The Mexican also drove on both days of the post-Spanish Grand Prix test, while fellow development driver Nikita Mazepin took part in the post-British Grand Prix group session held at Silverstone.

Celis actually debuted the VJM09 in pre-season testing, as he drove on two days of the first winter session in Barcelona.

Beside his F1 commitment, the youngster competed in the rebranded Formula V8 3.5 championship where he finished 11th with one podium finish to his name. He previously spent two years in GP3 with Status Grand Prix and ART.

TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the McLaren-Honda MP4-31

INTERVIEW: Rob Smedley on Felipe Massa

2017 driver line-ups so far

FEATURE: When F1 team-mates fight for the title

SILBERMANN: A long-winded tribute to an often long-winded man

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Team Talk: Sunday afternoon in Austin

Cadillac  Sergio Perez, 19th “Unfortunately, the weekend has been a bit challenging. Overall, I think…

2 hours ago

United States GP: Sunday's action in pictures

Kimi Antonelli is one step away from F1 immortality. A commanding victory in Austin, a…

9 hours ago

Verstappen flags ‘too many things that didn’t go well’ in US GP

Max Verstappen left the United States Grand Prix with a podium finish but little satisfaction,…

9 hours ago

Antonelli eager to seal title ‘in style’ in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli is ready to put the finishing touches to a remarkable Formula 1 breakthrough,…

10 hours ago

Russell left searching for answers after ‘rubbish’ United States GP

George Russell cut a frustrated figure after a miserable United States Grand Prix, admitting his…

11 hours ago

United States GP: Antonelli dominant at COTA – title within reach

Kimi Antonelli inched closer to a historic F1 world title in Austin on Sunday with…

11 hours ago