Overview
- Lando Norris set the pace in both Friday sessions at Yas Marina, leading FP2 with a 1:23.083 as Max Verstappen trailed by over three tenths and Oscar Piastri placed 11th.
- A tense practice moment saw Norris complain over the radio after nearly catching a slow-moving Verstappen, adding intrigue before qualifying.
- McLaren’s drivers said no team instruction to favor either title contender has been discussed ahead of the finale.
- Verstappen, targeting a fifth straight crown, described himself as very relaxed and said he feels he has nothing to lose.
- This is the first three-driver title showdown since 2010, with the vice-champion spot in the constructors’ standings still in play between Mercedes and Red Bull.