Lando Norris set the early benchmark at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by topping the timesheets in FP1, edging out title rival Max Verstappen by the slimmest of margins.
The McLaren driver looked sharp from the outset, stringing together clean laps and showing strong single-lap pace as the season finale officially got underway. Verstappen, meanwhile, was right behind him, keeping the pressure firmly on as both drivers sized each other up ahead of a crucial weekend.
But one major contender was missing from the opening session entirely: Oscar Piastri. The Australian, still mathematically in the hunt for the world championship, was forced to sit out FP1 as McLaren fulfilled their mandatory rookie running requirements.
As per FIA regulations, every team must field a rookie driver in two FP1 sessions during the season, and Abu Dhabi was McLaren’s final obligation, meaning Piastri had to give up his seat. It was a tough blow at the worst possible moment.
With the title on the line and every lap of data essential, Piastri lost a full hour of track time while his closest competitors gained valuable mileage.
In a tight championship fight, every detail matters: tyre behaviour, track evolution, brake performance, and setup direction are all shaped heavily by early-weekend running. Missing that reference point forces Piastri to start FP2 on the back foot, relying on Norris’s data rather than his own feel behind the wheel.
The Australian is not only chasing points, he’s now chasing drive time too. Abu Dhabi is one of the most sensitive circuits when it comes to rhythm and confidence, especially through the technical final sector, where precision can make or break a qualifying lap.
Losing FP1 puts him under immediate pressure to adapt quickly, settle into the car, and find speed without the usual ramp-up period.
Still, Piastri has shown throughout the season that he can thrive under pressure. His calm approach, sharp qualifying performances, and ability to extract pace when it matters most have kept him in the title conversation right up to the final round.
Now, he’ll need every bit of that composure as he enters Saturday’s qualifying session with the championship on the line and no margin for error.
Will the young Aussie rise above the setback and conquer the gauntlet when it counts? His maiden title hopes may depend on it.
