Lando Norris delivered a commanding performance during Friday practice for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while his McLaren teammate and fellow title contender Oscar Piastri suffered a disrupted and difficult day at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Norris Lays Down a Formidable Marker
Championship leader Lando Norris topped the timesheets in both practice sessions, sending a clear message to his rivals. His fastest lap of 1 minute 23.083 seconds in the second, more representative evening session under the floodlights was a significant 0.363 seconds quicker than reigning champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull.
This strong start provides the perfect boost for the Briton, who holds a 12-point advantage over Verstappen and a 16-point lead over Piastri in the drivers' standings. Despite his pace, Norris remained cautious, stating he was not completely happy with the car's balance and expected the field to tighten up for qualifying.
Piastri's Frustrating Stop-Start Day
For Australian Oscar Piastri, the day was far from ideal. He was forced to sit out the entire first practice session, as per regulations, giving his seat to McLaren's reserve driver Pato O'Ward in a session designated for young drivers.
When he finally got behind the wheel for the second session, he struggled to find his rhythm, ending the day a disappointing 11th fastest. His best lap was 0.68 seconds slower than Norris's benchmark, and he admitted to locking up on his quickest attempt. Team principal Zak Brown acknowledged Piastri was "not totally dialled in yet" but expressed confidence he would improve.
Verstappen Grumbles as Team Orders Loom
Max Verstappen, who finished second on the day, had his own issues, complaining extensively about his Red Bull's setup and even suggesting "something is broken on the car." He was also noted by stewards for impeding Norris in the first session after receiving incorrect information from his race engineer, though no investigation followed.
The spectre of team orders also entered the frame. McLaren boss Zak Brown revealed the team would consider instructing Piastri to support Norris if it became clear during the race that only one of their drivers had a realistic shot at beating Verstappen to victory and the championship. Brown stated he had "no doubt" either driver would comply with such a team decision.
With Mercedes' George Russell showing strong pace in third, the stage is set for a tense and tactical climax to the Formula 1 season this Sunday in Abu Dhabi.
