Norris Edges Verstappen in Abu Dhabi FP1 as Championship Showdown Looms
Lando Norris demonstrated strong form in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's first practice session, outpacing Max Verstappen by a mere 0.008 seconds. This crucial performance sets the tone for a high-stakes championship decider, where Norris seeks his first F1 title. With nine rookies also participating, the session provided valuable data for teams ahead of the season's climax at Yas Marina Circuit.
Lando Norris topped the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the stage for a thrilling season finale where he could clinch his maiden Formula 1 world championship. The McLaren driver's 1m24.485s lap on used soft tires narrowly beat his closest championship rival, Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
This weekend marks a potentially historic moment for Lando Norris, who needs a podium finish on Sunday to secure his first F1 world title. With a 12-point lead over Verstappen and 16 points ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, the pressure is immense. A strong showing in practice, even if just FP1, provides a crucial psychological boost and a foundational understanding of track conditions, which could be vital in a championship decider.
The details:
- Norris achieved his fastest lap (1m24.485s) on used soft tires, indicating strong underlying pace and tire management. Verstappen was just 0.008s behind.
- Nine drivers, including Oscar Piastri, sat out FP1 as per F1 regulations, making way for rookies. This allowed IndyCar star Pato O'Ward to take Piastri's seat.
- Track Evolution & Tire Variety: The session saw significant track evolution early on, with drivers experimenting with hard, medium, and soft compounds. The leaderboard frequently changed until around the halfway mark.
- Verstappen initially led with a 1m24.493s on soft tires before Norris edged him out. Charles Leclerc finished third, only 0.016s off Norris's pace, despite reporting a lack of grip.
- Rookie Performances: The nine rookie drivers, including Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli (4th) and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto (7th), generally finished in the lower half of the order, with Oliver Bearman (Haas) being the fastest rookie in 8th on medium tires.
The big picture:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the 2025 F1 season, bringing the championship battle to a head. The Yas Marina Circuit, known for its mix of fast straights and technical sections, will be the ultimate test for the contenders. While Norris's FP1 performance is a positive sign, both Verstappen and Piastri will be pushing hard. The introduction of multiple rookie drivers in FP1, a mandatory practice to give young talent track time, adds an interesting dynamic but doesn't fully reflect the true competitive order that will emerge in qualifying and the race.
What's next:
The teams will now analyze the data from FP1 to refine their setups for FP2 and FP3. The focus will shift to optimizing performance for qualifying and long-run race pace. With the championship on the line, every session will be critical for Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri as they fine-tune their strategies for Sunday's grand finale.