LIVE: 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Free Practice 3 Updates

Lando Norris ended the first day of the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend with a clear advantage, topping both Friday practice sessions at Yas Marina. The McLaren driver's strong performance, including a razor-thin 0.008s lead over Max Verstappen in FP1, has set the stage for a tense Saturday.

Why it matters:

• With the 2025 F1 title on the line, every session is crucial for teams and drivers to fine-tune their setups and gain a psychological edge.
• Norris's consistent pace suggests McLaren could be a significant contender, potentially disrupting the expected Red Bull dominance and adding another layer of excitement to the championship decider.
• The final practice session will provide the last real indication of pace before qualifying, offering critical insights into who might challenge for pole position.

The details:

• Friday Dominance: Lando Norris topped both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 sessions, demonstrating strong single-lap and potential long-run pace.
  • In FP1, Norris edged out Max Verstappen by a mere 0.008 seconds, highlighting the tight competition at the front.
• McLaren's Pace: While Norris shined, his teammate Oscar Piastri finished FP2 in 11th, failing to maximize his soft tyre lap. However, Piastri expressed confidence in the MCL39's underlying pace, indicating potential for improvement.
• Championship Decider: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the 2025 season, with the championship battle likely coming down to the wire, making every data point from practice sessions vital.
• Track Conditions: Yas Marina's evening schedule means track temperatures cool significantly throughout the sessions, impacting tire degradation and car balance, which teams must manage effectively.

What's next:

The crucial Free Practice 3 session is the last chance for teams to gather data, test different setups, and refine their strategies before the all-important qualifying session.

• Teams will be focused on simulating qualifying runs on soft tires and ensuring their race pace is optimized for Sunday's main event.
• All eyes will be on Norris and Verstappen, as well as potential dark horses, to see who can carry their momentum into qualifying and secure a prime starting position for the title-deciding race.