McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivered a solid start to their Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, with the championship leader topping the timesheets but steering clear of overconfidence ahead of Saturday’s running.
Norris dominated both practice sessions at Yas Marina, edging Max Verstappen by 0.008s in FP1 and 0.363s in FP2 as the Red Bull driver looks to close a 12-point gap in the title race.
In the evening session, Oscar Piastri played catch-up after handing his car to IndyCar ace Pato O’Ward for FP1.
Despite the strong showing, Norris was measured in his assessment.
“Obviously from the times and everything, things are good at the minute, but I still want a bit more from the car,” Norris told Sky Sports F1.
“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. It has been a positive day, but we always know it gets a lot closer going into quali, so nothing to smile about just yet.”
When asked whether Piastri missing FP1 gave him an advantage, Norris was quick to shoot down the idea. “No,” he said, keeping the focus firmly on the car and the work ahead rather than internal rivalries.
Piastri: Fine-Tuning Rather Than Overhauls
Piastri’s single session was all about settling in and finding rhythm. His 29 laps earned the Australian the 11th-fastest time, 0.680s off Norris’ pace. But McLaren’s second title contender was unfazed.
“I think I got there pretty well on the medium, just the soft, didn't get the most out of the grip on that first timed lap,” Piastri explained. “Finding my feet I think, but clearly some things to try and improve for tomorrow, but I think after just one session, not too bad.”
©McLaren
On whether major changes were needed overnight, Piastri suggested work would focus on fine-tuning rather on making any significant modifications.
“I think it's more just little details,” he said. “The car feels like it's in a pretty decent place. Again, just didn't get the grip out of it in that first soft lap, so some small tweaks of course. It didn't feel perfect out there, but nothing major.”
Asked about his pole chances, Piastri remained optimistic.
“I think the cars looked quick,” he said. “Just need to get some more laps under my belt and find my feet a bit more, that's all. A few more laps tomorrow, a few more sets of tyres, hopefully we'll be there.”
While Norris and Piastri showed that McLaren have pace and confidence in their machinery, both drivers emphasized incremental improvements and careful fine-tuning – a clear sign they’re keeping their heads firmly in the game as the title battle heads to the final showdown.
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