ABU DHABI -- Lewis Hamilton swapped places with Sebastian Vettel at the top of the order as Mercedes and Ferrari remained close during Friday evening practice at Yas Marina.
In the first session of the weekend to replicate qualifying and the race, which start in twighlight and end under the floodlit night sky, Hamilton's 1:37.877 led the way. The 2017 world champion had been just 0.120s behind Vettel's lead time in FP1 but jumped above the Ferrari driver in the evening, edging the German out by 0.149s. While the times of FP1 are rarely too accurate an indication of the weekend's form given the fact it takes place in much hotter conditions than any competitive session, the fact Mercedes and Ferrari remained that close suggests a close fight is in store on Saturday and Sunday.