Lando Norris Dominates FP2 in Abu Dhabi

Lando Norris set the pace in Free Practice 2 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, topping both Friday sessions as the final 2025 Championship showdown edges closer. The McLaren driver lapped in 1m 23.083s, 0.363s ahead of title rival Max Verstappen with George Russell third, 0.379s off the pace.

Crucial FP2 in representative conditions

Unlike FP1, FP2 was run in conditions similar to qualifying and the race, making it the most important session of the weekend. Teams focused on both single-lap pace and longer, high-fuel runs to plan for what could be a one or two-stop race on Sunday.

All three Championship contenders were on track, with Oscar Piastri joining after sitting out FP1. The Australian struggled to find rhythm, locking up at Turn 6 and finishing 11th, nearly seven-tenths off the pace. Piastri’s late start and early mistakes left him on the back foot ahead of the crucial qualifying session.

Norris the benchmark

Norris, who also topped FP1, produced a commanding performance on the soft tyres to take FP2 honours. Verstappen showed strong pace but could not match the McLaren, while Russell impressed in third as Mercedes hinted at a potential role in Sunday’s strategic battle.

Midfield and rookie impact

Haas’ Ollie Bearman was fourth and Nico Hulkenberg fifth, signalling strong form in the midfield. Several rookies and part-time drivers continued to gather experience, though traffic and minor incidents affected some, including Antonelli and Bortoleto. Ferrari had mixed fortunes, with Charles Leclerc finishing further back and his brother Arthur completing his rookie FP1 duties earlier in the day.

Key incidents

Verstappen experienced a small snap but recovered safely, while Lewis Hamilton struggled to find pace, finishing 14th. Team orders are expected to play a role for McLaren, with sporting director Brown confirming that strategies could favour whichever driver has the best chance of securing the Championship.

Carlos having a moment! 😮#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/1TKLQlkip1

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 5, 2025

Championship permutations

Norris maintains control of the title fight. A podium on Sunday secures him the championship, while Verstappen must win and rely on Norris finishing fourth or lower. Piastri faces an uphill battle, needing to win with Norris finishing sixth or worse.

FP2 confirmed Norris as the man to beat heading into qualifying, with Verstappen chasing and Piastri on the defensive. With representative conditions giving teams a clear picture of race pace, the stage is set for a tense season finale at Yas Marina.

FP2 top five:

1. Lando Norris – 1m 23.083s
2. Max Verstappen +0.363s
3. George Russell +0.379s
4. Ollie Bearman
5. Nico Hulkenberg

The final showdown for the 2025 Drivers’ Championship begins in earnest tomorrow as qualifying looms under Abu Dhabi’s floodlights.