Sainz is not the only driver switching teams who has made his first appearance for their new squad – Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg are behind the wheel at Haas and Sauber respectively.
Yuki Tsunoda is also driving for Red Bull as he makes his debut in up-to-date machinery from the front-running outfit.
Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris are back out on the track for Ferrari and McLaren respectively and sit in second and third place.
Frederick Vesti is the fastest of the rookie drivers, with the Dane stepping for Kimi Antonelli who was sidelined for the Formula 2 finale with a virus.
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:24.435 |
| 2. | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:24.561 |
| 3. | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:24.561 |
| 4. | Jack Doohan | Alpine | 1:24.730 |
| 5. | Frederick Vesti | Mercedes | 1:25.159 |
| 6. | Pato O’Ward | McLaren | 1:25.201 |
| 7. | Antonio Fuoco | Ferrari | 1:25.238 |
| 8. | Gabriel Bortoleto | Stake | 1:25.306 |
| 9. | Luke Browning | Williams | 1:25.409 |
| 10. | Paul Aron | Alpine | 1:25.561 |