Norris tops Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice as Piastri loses vital track time

LANDO Norris set the early benchmark at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by topping the timesheets in FP1, edging out title rival Max Verstappen by the slimmest of margins.

- JEHRAN NAIDOO

The McLaren driver looked sharp from the outset, stringing together clean laps and showing strong single-lap pace as the season finale officially got underway. Verstappen, meanwhile, was right behind him, keeping the pressure firmly on as both drivers sized each other up ahead of a crucial weekend.

But one major contender was missing from the opening session entirely: Oscar Piastri. The Australian, still mathematically in the hunt for the world championship, was forced to sit out FP1 as McLaren fulfilled their mandatory rookie running requirements.