F1 News: Piastri leads McLaren 1-2 in final Abu Dhabi GP practice

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were an easy 1-2 in final practice for the Abu Dhabi GP around the Yas Marina Circuit.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Piastri’s lap of 1m23.433s was 0.193s faster than teammate Norris who topped Practice 2, both driving the superior McLaren-Mercedes.

Piastri has 1 Sprint Race pole to his name but has never won pole for a Grand Prix. Given the superiority of the McLaren, Piastri or Norris will likely sit on pole in a few hours time.

A win tomorrow is enough for McLaren to take the Constructors’ title, regardless of where their second car finishes.

Lewis Hamilton, in his final race for Mercedes, was third, 0.390s behind Piastri.

Max Verstappen was 4th for Red Bull, 0.411s behind Piastri.

Carlos Sainz Jr. rounded out the top-5 for Ferrari, 0.438s behind Piastri.

With Nico Hulkenberg in P7 and Kevin Magnussen in P8, Haas have definitely come to play this weekend as they look to finish well in the Constructors’ Championship.

McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari – anyone can win pole, but McLaren will likely win it.

Engine modes will go up, fuel will come out in qualifying and lap times will drop.

Let’s not forget that the Williams pair of Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto have received grid penalties for the Abu Dhabi GP as well as Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.

2024 Abu Dhabi GP Practice 3 Results