Norris Pips Verstappen by 0.008s in Thrilling Abu Dhabi GP FP1; Leclerc Third

Lando Norris edged out Max Verstappen by a mere 0.008 seconds in the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc close behind in third. This sets the stage for a dramatic season finale, where Norris, Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all have a shot at the World Championship.

Why it matters:

• The razor-thin margins in FP1 underscore the intensity of the 2025 F1 World Championship battle, with Norris holding a slim 12-point lead over Verstappen heading into the final race.
• McLaren's strong performance, with Norris at the top, suggests they are serious contenders for both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles, pushing Red Bull to their limits.
• The close competition among three different teams (McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari) indicates a highly unpredictable and exciting conclusion to the F1 season.

The details:

• Norris's Pace: Lando Norris set the fastest time with a 1:24.485.
• Verstappen's Narrow Gap: Max Verstappen was just +0.008s off Norris's pace, highlighting the tight competition.
• Leclerc's Strong Showing: Charles Leclerc finished third, only +0.016s behind Norris, indicating Ferrari's potential.
• Championship Contenders: Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri are all vying for the championship. Piastri sat out FP1, with rookie Pato O'Ward taking his seat.
• Rookie Performances: Kimi Antonelli secured P4, while Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto impressed with P5 and P7 respectively.
• Other Notable Performances: George Russell (Mercedes) finished P6, Ollie Bearman (Ferrari) was P8 before a sensor issue, and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) rounded out the top ten. Ryo Hirakawa (Haas) was the fastest rookie in P11.

The big picture:

With the championship on the line, every session, every tenth of a second, and every strategic move will be critical. The close times in FP1 suggest that the drivers and teams are pushing the limits, making for a thrilling conclusion to a competitive season. The inclusion of several rookies in FP1 also provided a glimpse into the future talent pool of Formula 1, with impressive outings from Antonelli, Bortoleto, and Hirakawa.

What's next:

Expect the qualifying session to be incredibly tight as teams fine-tune their setups for the Yas Marina Circuit. The race on Sunday is poised to be a nail-biter, with the championship likely to be decided in the final laps. All eyes will be on Norris and Verstappen, but Leclerc and even Piastri, despite missing FP1, could play spoiler roles in the ultimate outcome.