Lando Norris leads Free Practice 1 in Abu Dhabi with Verstappen lurking
The first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kicked off with intense pace at the Yas Marina circuit. Lando Norris prevailed with his McLaren, setting the benchmark time and establishing a direct challenge for the rest of the weekend. 🏁
A technical duel on the track
The session served for the teams to test specific setups on a track that combines slow and technical sectors with long straights. While Norris consolidated his advantage, Max Verstappen responded with a consistent performance, testing different tire compounds with his Red Bull. The fight for Saturday's pole position was already looming.
Key points from the session:- Initial pace: Norris set the fastest time (1:24.207) in the final phase of the session, using soft tires.
- Verstappen's response: The Red Bull driver was two tenths behind, focused on data collection and tire management.
- Ferrari's progression: Charles Leclerc showed encouraging performance for the Italian team, closing the top three.
These practice sessions are just the appetizer before the real drama begins in the race.
The rest of the grid seeks the setup
Outside the free practice podium, other drivers worked on the fine-tuning of their cars. Lewis Hamilton dedicated the session to experimenting with aerodynamic setups in his Mercedes, seeking better balance. Teams like Aston Martin and Alpine also carried out their testing programs, gathering valuable information for qualifying.
Standout positions in Free Practice 1:- 1. Lando Norris (McLaren): 1:24.207 - Clear leadership and consistent pace.
- 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull): +0.224 - Constant pressure and strategy work.
- 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): +0.407 - Notable improvement compared to previous sessions.
The scenario for the weekend
The free practice session made it clear that the battle at the top of the grid will be tight. Although Norris leads for now, recent history shows that Verstappen always has resources in reserve. McLaren's single-lap pace and Red Bull's race experience promise an exciting showdown, with Ferrari as the wildcard. Everything will be decided on the track. 🏎️💨