Overview
- Lando Norris topped both Friday sessions at Yas Marina ahead of Max Verstappen, with Oscar Piastri only 11th in TL2 after missing TL1 for rookie running.
- Norris leads the standings on 408 points to Verstappen’s 396 and Piastri’s 392, with 25 points available and a top-three finish enough to seal the title.
- McLaren signaled it could use team orders if the race scenario leaves only one of its drivers with a viable shot at the championship.
- Verstappen said Red Bull must find speed on single laps and long runs to contend for victory after what he called difficult practices.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli said he received online abuse and threats after his Qatar mistake; Mercedes took the case to the FIA as Helmut Marko retracted and apologized for initial accusations.