Name: Lando Norris leads Abu Dhabi practice as championship finale nears
Uploaded: 2025-12-05T17:26:14.340Z
Duration: 1 min 16 s
Description: Lando Norris topped both Friday practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, positioning himself strongly ahead of the Formula 1 championship decider. McLaren has signaled full support for whichever driver is best placed to win the title.

Lando Norris topped both Friday practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, positioning himself strongly ahead of the Formula 1 championship decider. McLaren has signaled full support for whichever driver is best placed to win the title.

Abu Dhabi

Lando Norris led both Friday practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, edging out Max Verstappen by a narrow margin in the first session and then extending his lead in the afternoon. McLaren has stated it will prioritize whichever driver has the best chance of winning the championship as the race weekend progresses.

Norris expressed a desire for further improvements to his car but remains in a strong position. If Norris finishes in the top three during the final race, he will secure the championship title.

Lando Norris leads Abu Dhabi practice as championship finale nears

The championship fight has reached its finale, and Lando Norris isn't backing down. McLaren's title contender owned both Friday practice sessions in Abu Dhabi, laying down a marker that screams confidence. Obviously, we'll be practical and realistic that if, as the weekend develops, as the race develops, it becomes clear that one has a significantly better chance than another, than we're a team that wants to win the driver's championship. And we will race accordingly to do whatever we can to get whatever that driver is in front to try and win the race. First session saw Norris edge Max Verstappen by just eight thousandths, practically nothing. But then came the afternoon statement, three-tenths clear of the Red Bull. That's a gap that matters. I still want a bit more from the car. Not completely happy, not completely confident, we're a bit in the middle of trying some different things and trying to understand some things with the car. So hopefully some more stuff we can get out of it overnight, but it's not been a bad day for sure. The equation is beautifully simple, finish top three on Sunday and Norris becomes champion. After dominating Friday, he's never looked more ready.

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