Overview
- Lando Norris set the pace in TL1 and TL2 at Yas Marina with Max Verstappen second in both sessions, and Verstappen said Red Bull needs more speed to fight for the win.
- Norris tops the standings on 408 points, with Verstappen on 396 and Oscar Piastri on 392, and a podium finish on Sunday would clinch the title for Norris.
- Oscar Piastri did not run TL1 due to the rookie mileage rule and ended TL2 in 11th place, trailing his teammate by nearly seven tenths.
- McLaren indicated it could issue team orders if only one driver remains realistically in the hunt, though the pair are otherwise free to race while both have a chance.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli said he received abusive messages after his Qatar mistake, Red Bull retracted initial insinuations after reviewing footage, and Mercedes took the matter to the FIA.