Max Verstappen led the two Red Bull drivers in first practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but was frustrated again by a suspected engine braking problem on his car.
Engine braking has frustrated Verstappen repeatedly this season, notably in Mexico, where he blamed it after losing pole position to team mate Daniel Ricciardo.
Max Verstappen reported he had “a lot of rear locking just from the engine braking” early in the session but was told “we’re not entirely sure that it’s the engine braking that’s causing the issue.”
Nevertheless Verstappen set a best time of 1’38.491 which put him almost a full second quicker than any non-Red Bull driver.

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