LIVE: 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Free Practice 1

The 2025 F1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi, where the championship battle is still alive among three drivers. Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen are all in contention for the drivers' title, making FP1 a crucial session for teams to gather data ahead of a thrilling weekend. Piastri, however, will sit out FP1 to fulfill his mandatory rookie session requirement.

Why it matters:

This year marks the first time since 2010 that three drivers are vying for the world championship at the final race. The outcome will determine if Lando Norris becomes Britain's 11th champion, Oscar Piastri Australia's third, or if Max Verstappen can equal Michael Schumacher's record of five consecutive titles. Every practice session, especially FP1, is critical for fine-tuning car setups and strategy on a circuit that demands precision and pace.

The details:

• Championship Contenders: The 2025 season finale features a rare three-way championship showdown:
  • Lando Norris: Aims to secure his maiden world title and become the 11th British F1 champion.
  • Oscar Piastri: Hopes to make history as Australia's third F1 champion.
  • Max Verstappen: Eyes a record-equalling fifth consecutive world championship, matching Michael Schumacher's legendary feat.
• FP1 Dynamics: Free Practice 1 is the initial opportunity for teams to gather critical data on tire performance, car balance, and track conditions. This session sets the tone for the rest of the race weekend.
• Rookie Session: Oscar Piastri will not participate in FP1. Instead, a rookie driver will take his place, fulfilling one of the two mandatory rookie free practice sessions required by the FIA regulations. This provides an important opportunity for emerging talent to gain F1 experience.

The big picture:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit, with its unique blend of fast straights and technical sections, presents a significant challenge for drivers and engineers. The championship implications add an extra layer of pressure, making every lap count. The data collected in FP1 will be instrumental in making crucial setup decisions that could ultimately decide the championship. Teams will be closely monitoring rival performances and strategies.

What's next:

Following FP1, teams will analyze the data extensively to prepare for FP2 and FP3, where more representative qualifying and race simulations will take place. The stakes will continue to rise as the weekend progresses, culminating in what promises to be one of the most exciting championship deciders in recent F1 history.