By Mark Gero
Lando Norris took another step towards winning his maiden world championship by having the best time in Friday practice at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi by clocking a 1:23:803 fastest time in preparation for Sunday’s Grand Prix ahead of his rival and defending champion Max Verstappen with the Mercedes of George Russell third.
Norris only remains 12 points ahead of Verstappen with the second McLaren of Oscar Piastri in third, who finished in 11th. On an evening that had no incidents, the Haas of Oliver Bearman had an impressive result, taking fourth ahead of the Sauber duo of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who are driving their last race for their sponsor, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively. Isack Hadjar, in his last race for Racing Bulls, before transferring his drive for the senior Red Bull team, was seventh.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was eighth and the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli rounded out the top ten.
In the earlier practice, the result was the same in a session that involved many young drivers taking over one session for many experienced drivers. Norris topped the times again, with Verstappen in second. Leclerc ended up in third.
For the Saturday qualifying, it will be interesting to see how the results will be, as there could be a possible upset in the order. As for the race, it will be another situation where Piastri could have to obey team orders to let Norris take the championship or Verstappen could win again if things do not go as planned. It will have to be played out at that moment.
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