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Abu Dhabi Title Decider: Russell Leads FP3, Hamilton Crashes as Norris Holds Edge

McLaren's readiness to use team orders heightens the strategic stakes before a qualifying session likely to define the title fight.

Overview

  • Three drivers remain in contention for the championship, with Lando Norris 12 points clear and able to clinch the title with a podium on Sunday.
  • George Russell set the FP3 benchmark by 0.004 seconds over Norris, with Max Verstappen third and Oscar Piastri fifth ahead of this afternoon’s qualifying.
  • Lewis Hamilton crashed at Turn 9 in FP3, triggering a red flag and leaving Ferrari with repair work to complete before qualifying.
  • Verstappen reported his Red Bull was “hopping” in practice before adjustments enabled a competitive late lap.
  • McLaren CEO Zak Brown said the team will use team orders if the race situation makes one driver’s chance clear, and he expects Oscar Piastri to comply.