Norris Tops Abu Dhabi FP2 as Young Drivers Shine

Lando Norris led Free Practice 2 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the fastest time for McLaren, with Max Verstappen and George Russell close behind. The session saw several young drivers make their mark, showcasing future talent in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

This session provides an early glimpse into team performance ahead of the final race of the 2025 season. While practice times aren't always indicative of race pace, Norris's strong showing suggests McLaren could be a contender. The impressive performances from several rookies also highlight the depth of talent emerging in F1, offering a preview of potential future stars.

The details:

• Lando Norris secured P1 with a time of 1:23.083s, completing 27 laps, demonstrating McLaren's strong pace.
• Max Verstappen was just +0.363s behind in P2, despite completing 30 laps, indicating Red Bull remains a formidable force.
• George Russell placed P3 for Mercedes, trailing Norris by +0.379s over 28 laps.
• Rookie Watch: Several young drivers delivered notable performances:
  • Oliver Bearman (Haas) impressed with P4, just +0.418s off Norris, completing 27 laps.
  • Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) secured P6, +0.487s behind, over 27 laps.
  • Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) achieved P7, +0.574s behind, after 28 laps.
  • Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) finished P10, +0.667s off the pace, also with 28 laps.
• Ferrari's Performance: Charles Leclerc was P8 (+0.575s) and Lewis Hamilton P14 (+0.856s), indicating there's still work to do for the Scuderia.
• Other Notables: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) secured P9, while Oscar Piastri (McLaren) was P11, suggesting a mixed bag for some established drivers.

The big picture:

The presence of so many young drivers in FP2 underscores F1's commitment to nurturing new talent. This practice session is often used by teams to give emerging drivers valuable track time, which is crucial for their development and for evaluating their potential for future seasons. The blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces on the leaderboard makes for an exciting prelude to the final race weekend, showcasing both current competitive balance and future prospects.

What's next:

Teams will analyze the data from FP2 to fine-tune their setups for qualifying and the race. The strong performance from Norris and the McLaren team will certainly be a talking point, as will the impressive showing from the young drivers. Expect more competitive times in FP3, followed by a crucial qualifying session that will set the grid for the season finale at Yas Marina. The battle for the constructors' and drivers' standings could still see some shifts, making every session critical.