Lando Norris made the perfect start to F1’s title-deciding weekend by outscoring Max Verstappen in the second practice of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while Oscar Piastri was only 11th.
Norris, the 12-point championship leader, led Verstappen in both Friday sessions of the season’s final race, with the McLaren driver’s advantage increasing from a fastest lap on soft tires of 1:20.083 to a staggering 0.363 seconds in the second hour of running.
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle said: “Outside he looked very calm, very calm.” “He knows what he has to do.”
The two leaders in the championship briefly met at the first corner of the track early in the session.
Verstappen was late informed over team radio that Norris was starting a flying lap behind him, but was initially told the Briton was not and had to get out of the McLaren’s way at the last minute.
“What is this guy doing? I almost crashed,” a frustrated Norris said from inside his car, which was unaware of Red Bull’s team radio. Race Control “noted” the incident, but no further action was deemed necessary.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has been accused of sabotaging title rival Lando Norris after being given incorrect information by engineer Giampiero Lambiase.
Piastri returned to McLaren after missing the first session as the team completed his duties as a rookie driver for the season, but failed to find the same form as his rivals during one lap in illuminated night conditions at the Yas Marina circuit.
The Australian, like Verstappen, needed a big upset to clinch the title on Sunday, lapping six tenths slower than Norris and finishing outside the top 10 at the weekend.
Piastri made a mistake on his second flying lap on the soft chicane and now leads Norris by 16 points.
On the final Friday of F1 2025, George Russell, the closest challenger to the top two, finished in third place, less than four tenths of a second from Norris, with leaders Mercedes narrowly ahead of several surprising runners in the top ten.
Haas’ Oliver Bearman was fourth and appeared to be enjoying the car’s pace, saying on the team radio after setting the fastest lap that it was “insane” that the VF-25 was “so good”.
Sauber’s drivers may think the same about their challengers after Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortleto finished fifth and sixth respectively at the start of the Audi-owned team’s last race weekend under its proper name.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle discusses the key takeaways from the first day of the Abu Dhabi GP.
Haas and Sauber are both Ferrari engine customers, both outperforming the Scuderia’s works teams, and on the evidence from the opening day in Abu Dhabi, a difficult end to a disappointing season appears to be on the verge of being continued.
Charles Leclerc was eighth and Lewis Hamilton 14th, with both drivers significantly losing time on their best laps in the winding final sector. However, Hamilton appeared to have gained significant ground, especially before the final corner.
In the week Red Bull’s 2026 promotion was finalized, Racing Bull’s Isaac Hajjar was seventh, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was ninth and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli was 10th.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Craig Slater explains what Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris need to do to win the title in Abu Dhabi.
How did the title contenders rate their start to Desert in the Decider?
A top three finish on the podium on Sunday is enough for Norris to win his first F1 championship.
Therefore, the smoother the weekend goes for the points leader, the better his chances of taking the crown. But despite getting off to an ideal start on Friday with strong pace on both short and long runs, the Briton said there was still work to do to improve his MCL39.
“Obviously, given the times, things are looking good at the moment,” he said.
“I still expect a little more from the car. I’m not completely satisfied or completely confident.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Lando Norris admitted there was nothing to laugh about despite setting the fastest time in both practice sessions.
“I’m trying a few different things and trying to figure out some things about the car.
“So I hope we get something more overnight.”
Norris warned: “We always know we are getting closer and closer to Quarry, so there is nothing to laugh about yet.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Oscar Piastri missed the first session with Pato O’Ward at the wheel and admitted he was still getting back into shape after a short practice run.
Piastri, who sat out the opening session in place of McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, showed a more competitive pace during the long runs in the second half of the session and seemed unfazed by his top-class finish of 11th.
“We did pretty well on the medium tires, but on the first timed lap we couldn’t get the most grip out of the soft tires alone,” he said.
“I’m finding my feet, but there are some things I need to improve for tomorrow. But it’s not too bad.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Max Verstappen said his practice session was “okay” but he wanted more pace from his Red Bull car ahead of qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Verstappen said the day had been “pretty good” but that “Red Bull’s pace on single laps and long runs needs to be better” ahead of Saturday’s qualifying day at the track where the pole-sitter has won the past 10 races.
Sky Sports F1 Abu Dhabi GP Schedule
Saturday, December 6th
10:15am: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Practice 3 (Session starts at 10:30am)*
12:10pm: F2 Sprint Race*
1:15pm: Abu Dhabi GP qualifying build-up*
2pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying*
4pm: Ted’s Qualification Notes*
Sunday, December 7th
9:10am: F2 Feature Race
11am: Grand Prix Sunday: Abu Dhabi GP Build-up*
1pm: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix*
3pm: Checkered flag: Abu Dhabi GP reaction*
4pm: Ted’s Notes
*Also held at Sky Sports Main Event
The 2025 F1 season will begin this weekend with the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix being broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday’s race ending at 1pm (meeting time starts at 11am). Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
