Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Free Practice 1: Results

Lando Norris topped the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with a tight margin separating the top contenders. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc followed closely, setting the stage for a competitive weekend at Yas Marina. The session also saw several young drivers getting valuable F1 experience.

Why it matters:

The opening practice session, especially at a track like Yas Marina with its unique day-to-night transition, is crucial for teams to gather data and fine-tune their setups. While FP1 results aren't always indicative of race pace, Norris's strong showing immediately puts McLaren in the conversation for pole and the win, especially given the minimal gaps to Verstappen and Leclerc.

The details:

• Lando Norris set the fastest lap of 1:24.485s, completing 27 laps.
• Max Verstappen was a mere 0.008s behind Norris, showing Red Bull's immediate pace.
• Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three, just 0.016s off the lead, highlighting Ferrari's potential.
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed in his Mercedes debut, finishing fourth, 0.123s behind Norris, showcasing his talent and potential for a future F1 seat.
• Nico Hülkenberg secured a respectable fifth position for Sauber.
• Rookie Drivers: A significant number of rookie drivers participated, gaining essential track time and showcasing their abilities to their respective teams.
  • Oliver Bearman (Haas) finished P8, demonstrating his continued strong performances in F1 outings.
  • Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) was P7, just ahead of Bearman.
  • Patricio O'Ward (McLaren), Arvid Lindblad (Red Bull), and Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari) were among others getting valuable experience.
• The top three drivers were separated by less than two hundredths of a second, suggesting a very close battle for the weekend.

The big picture:

The final race weekend of the 2025 season often features a mix of established drivers pushing for final bragging rights and aspiring rookies getting their first taste of F1 machinery. This FP1 session perfectly encapsulated that dynamic, with veteran contenders at the sharp end and new talent making their mark. The ultra-close times at the top indicate that qualifying will likely be a fierce battle, with multiple teams in contention for pole position.

What's next:

Teams will now analyze the data from this session, focusing on tire degradation, car balance, and adapting to the changing track conditions as the sun sets. Free Practice 2, which takes place in conditions more representative of qualifying and the race, will be crucial for fine-tuning setups. The performance of the rookie drivers will also be closely watched as they continue to gain experience throughout the weekend, potentially influencing future driver market decisions.