Abu Dhabi: Lando Norris delivered a flawless start to Formula 1’s title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, topping both Friday practice sessions and outpacing championship rival Max Verstappen under the lights at Yas Marina Circuit.
The McLaren driver, who leads the championship by 12 points, produced a stunning 1:20.083 on soft tyres in FP2, finishing 0.363s ahead of Verstappen. His commanding performance makes him the early favourite heading into the final race of the 2025 season.
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle praised Norris’ composure, saying:
“He looked very serene out there, very calm. He knows exactly what he’s got to do.”
Norris and Verstappen Cross Paths in FP2
Early in the session, the title rivals briefly encountered each other on track when Verstappen was informed too late that Norris was on a flying lap behind him. The Red Bull driver was forced to move aside quickly to avoid impeding the McLaren star.
Piastri Struggles on Return, Finishes 11th
After sitting out FP1 due to McLaren’s mandatory rookie allocation, Oscar Piastri returned to action in FP2 but failed to match the pace of his teammate. The Australian ended the session six tenths slower than Norris, placing 11th, and even made an error during his second flying lap at the chicane.
Piastri trails Norris by 16 points and needs a major turnaround to stay in the title fight.
Russell Leads the Chase Behind Title Rivals
George Russell finished third, just under four-tenths off Norris’ benchmark, as Mercedes showed encouraging pace. Behind him came a series of surprise performers on the final Friday of the 2025 season.
Bearman Shines for Haas, Sauber Impresses
Haas’ Oliver Bearman was the standout name in fourth place, even radioing his team to say the VF-25 felt “insane” and “so good.”
Audi-owned Sauber also made headlines, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto finishing fifth and sixth respectively in what is set to be the team’s final race weekend under the Sauber name.
Both Ferrari-powered teams—Haas and Sauber—finished ahead of the factory Ferrari squad, continuing the Scuderia’s difficult end to the season.
Ferrari and Hamilton Struggle in Final Sector
Charles Leclerc managed eighth, but Ferrari’s pace again faltered in the technical final sector. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, ended FP2 in 14th after losing a large chunk of time in the last corners despite looking competitive earlier in his lap.
Hadjar Seventh After Red Bull Promotion Announcement
Isack Hadjar, newly confirmed as a Red Bull driver for 2026, impressed with P7 for Racing Bulls. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso finished ninth, while Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top ten for Mercedes.
