McLaren Duo Stays Measured After Strong Start in Abu Dhabi
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had a promising start to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, with Norris showing strong pace in practice. Despite the positive results, both drivers remained cautious, emphasizing the need for further fine-tuning and optimization of their cars. They are focused on incremental improvements to contend in the final championship showdown.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri began their Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend with solid performances, despite championship leader Max Verstappen topping the timesheets in one session. Both drivers maintained a cautious outlook, emphasizing the need for further refinement ahead of Saturday's running.
Why it matters:
After a challenging season, McLaren's strong start in Abu Dhabi hints at their potential to influence the championship fight in the final race. A competitive showing from Norris and Piastri could disrupt the established order and provide a thrilling conclusion to the season, especially as the title battle intensifies.
The Details:
- Lando Norris showed strong pace, dominating both practice sessions at Yas Marina. He edged Max Verstappen by a mere 0.008s in FP1 and a more significant 0.363s in FP2.
- This performance comes as Verstappen aims to close a 12-point gap in the championship standings.
- Oscar Piastri, who missed FP1 after handing his car over to IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, played catch-up in the evening session. His 29 laps resulted in the 11th-fastest time, 0.680s off Norris' pace.
- Norris's Assessment: Despite his strong times, Norris expressed a measured view, stating, “Not completely happy, not completely confident, we're a bit in the middle of trying some different things and trying to understand some things with the car.” He anticipates improvements overnight.
- Piastri's Focus: Piastri also emphasized fine-tuning over major overhauls, noting, “The car feels like it's in a pretty decent place. Again, just didn't get the grip out of it in that first soft lap, so some small tweaks of course.”
- Both drivers dismissed the idea of an advantage for Norris due to Piastri missing FP1, keeping the focus squarely on car performance and setup.
What's next:
McLaren's measured approach suggests they are focused on incremental improvements rather than radical changes. The team is clearly aiming to optimize their package for qualifying and the race, indicating that despite their promising start, they understand the competitive nature of the Abu Dhabi circuit.
- Further refinement during Saturday's practice will be crucial for both drivers to maximize their car's potential.
- Piastri hopes to gain more laps and familiarity with the soft tires to improve his qualifying chances.
- If they can maintain their Friday pace and address the minor issues, McLaren could be strong contenders for podium positions, potentially impacting the championship outcome.