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McLaren Confirm ‘Small Differences’ Between Norris and Piastri Cars for Abu Dhabi Showdown – Updated 19:30 UK
McLaren have revealed that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are running slightly different-spec MCL39s this weekend in Abu Dhabi, as the team hunts the World Championship in a three-way fight involving Norris, Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The detail emerged through reserve driver Pato O’Ward, who took over Piastri’s car in FP1. Speaking after completing the Australian’s programme, O’Ward noted:
“I know the cars had a little bit of a difference in certain parts of it, so important to gather all that information with quality laps.”
O’Ward said his run went smoothly — “no scratches, brought it back in one piece” — and that Tuesday’s post-season test will allow him to “give the car a proper go.” He admitted it was difficult to judge the car’s true performance while running heavy fuel and without a direct comparison, but emphasised the value of the data gathered.
Piastri, who finished only P11 in FP2, said his shortened day was still productive, with the car feeling “in a good window” and only “small tweaks” required. However, with Norris looking more comfortable and faster over both sessions, speculation continues over whether Piastri may need to shift closer to his teammate’s setup.
For now, McLaren continue to test differing parts across both cars to maximise their title chances — but with only 16 points covering all three contenders, every configuration choice counts.
Norris tops FP2 again as Piastri battles balance woes in Abu Dhabi – Updated 17:35 UK
McLaren’s Lando Norris maintained his strong start to the Abu Dhabi weekend by topping the second practice session, building on his narrow advantage in FP1 with a more dominant performance under the Yas Marina floodlights. While Max Verstappen again emerged as his closest challenger, Oscar Piastri endured a far more troubled session, struggling with the balance of his MCL60 at a crucial moment in the title fight.
The session was busy from the outset, with early laps from Liam Lawson, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and others helping to rubber in a slippery circuit still transitioning from hot afternoon temperatures. Norris joined the action quickly, though both of his title rivals, Verstappen and Piastri, had completed additional setup work before heading out. Early times were constantly changing, with Oliver Bearman and then Isack Hadjar briefly reaching the top before Verstappen set a time of 1:23.446 to take control. However, this benchmark wouldn’t last long.
Just before the halfway mark, Norris set a time of 1:23.083, putting more than three-tenths of a second between himself and Verstappen and setting an unbeatable target. Behind the leaders, Nico Hülkenberg continued Sauber’s strong performance, at one point splitting Verstappen and Hadjar, while rookie Gabriel Bortoleto also impressed in sixth place. Thrilled with the feel of his Haas, Bearman held a strong fourth for much of the hour and reported: “The car is incredible; I don’t know how it can be so good.”
For Piastri, however, it was a more complicated outing. Struggling to put clean laps together and complaining about instability, the Australian sat outside the top ten for much of the session and ended well adrift of his title rivals. Meanwhile, Verstappen dealt with a bouncing issue in Turn 3, yet still logged solid long runs on the medium tyre.
There were frequent but minor incidents, including Verstappen briefly impeding Norris in Turn 1 and a later clash between Ocon and Antonelli. As both occurred in practice, the stewards declined to investigate further.
By the chequered flag, the top positions remained unchanged: Norris was fastest again, Verstappen was the closest challenger but still fell short, and Piastri had work to do overnight. With the championship on the line, the pressure will only intensify heading into Saturday.
Abu Dhabi GP FP2 Results
1 Lando Norris (McLaren) 1m23.083s
2 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.363s
3 George Russell (Mercedes) +0.379s
4 Ollie Bearman (Haas) +0.418s
5 Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) +0.467s
6 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +0.487s
7 Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +0.574s
8 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.575s
9 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +0.625s
10 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.667s
11 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.680s
12 Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) +0.749s
13 Carlos Sainz (Williams) +0.789s
14 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.856s
15 Alex Albon (Williams) +0.867s
16 Esteban Ocon (Haas) +0.875s
17 Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +1.220s
18 Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +1.391s
19 Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +1.688s
20 Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +1.880s
McLaren ready to use team orders in Abu Dhabi title decider – Updated 11:30 UK
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the team will absolutely deploy team orders if necessary to secure the 2025 Drivers’ Championship for either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, describing it as “crazy not to”.
Heading into the Abu Dhabi finale, Norris leads the standings by 12 points over Max Verstappen, with Piastri 16 points off the top. Norris will be crowned champion if he finishes on the podium – but many race scenarios could force McLaren into making tough calls, especially if Verstappen wins.
In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Brown said that, although both drivers start the weekend with an equal opportunity, the team will intervene if one of them falls out of mathematical contention during the race. He stressed that McLaren must prioritise securing the championship, even if it means asking Piastri to move aside.
Norris has said he would welcome team orders, but would not explicitly request them, as it would depend on Piastri’s willingness at the time.
After a season dominated by McLaren but shaken by recent mistakes and Verstappen’s resurgence, the team is focused on avoiding any strategic misstep that could cost them the title.
Brown insists that team spirit is strong, and both drivers understand the stakes: if one cannot win the championship, the team expects the other to help.
Mercedes leads £20m UK–Germany project to boost high-performance EV tech – Updated 11:00 UK
Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains will spearhead a new £20m (US$26.7m) UK–Germany initiative to develop next-generation electric powertrain technology based on Formula 1 expertise. Supported by £10m in UK government funding, the IGNITED project will create over 150 new jobs and secure 34 existing roles as it strengthens the UK’s EV supply chain.
The collaboration will develop an ultra-compact, high-power electric drive system for future high-performance vehicles, with UK partners including Yasa and DePe Gear Company. Production is targeted within three years.
The announcement comes as part of deepening economic ties between the two countries, with leaders including Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighting the project as an example of cutting-edge innovation delivering jobs and industrial growth. Government ministers stressed that the initiative aligns with the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy and reinforces its position as a global hub for advanced EV technology.
Norris edges out Verstappen in opening Abu Dhabi practice – Updated 10:45 UK
Lando Norris set the early benchmark in the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will decide the title, finishing just 0.008 seconds ahead of his championship rival, Max Verstappen.
The McLaren driver recorded a time of 1:24.485 around Yas Marina, in a session that was dominated by junior and development drivers, with only 11 regular drivers participating. Meanwhile, Verstappen struggled with grip and reported a potential issue with his Red Bull, saying: “There might be something broken on the car.”
Third title contender Oscar Piastri did not participate in FP1, with IndyCar star Pato O’Ward taking his place in the McLaren for the mandatory rookie running. McLaren boss Zak Brown joked: “There’s some guy who’s taken my seat.”
Charles Leclerc was third fastest, although he complained of “zero grip” in the Ferrari. His brother Arthur stood in for Lewis Hamilton and finished 16th.
Mercedes completed the session with both their full-time drivers, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, ending up in fourth and sixth place respectively. Nico Hülkenberg took fifth place for Sauber ahead of his 250^(th) F1 start.
Among the rookies, Ryo Hirakawa of Haas topped the non-regulars in 11th place, followed by Isack Hadjar in 12th place. Arvid Lindblad, who is set to replace Hadjar at Racing Bulls next year, placed 15th in Tsunoda’s Red Bull.
With the title fight so close, Norris’s narrow advantage sets the stage for an intense weekend of racing.
FP1 Results – Abu Dhabi GP 2025
1 Lando Norris (McLaren) 1m24.485s
2 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.008s
3 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.016s
4 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.123s
5 Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) +0.144s
6 George Russell (Mercedes) +0.248s
7 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) +0.257s
8 Ollie Bearman (Haas) +0.274s
9 Carlos Sainz (Williams) +0.286s
10 Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +0.370s
11 Ryo Hirakawa (Haas) +0.449s
12 Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +0.492s
13 Paul Aron (Alpine) +0.719s
14 Pato O’Ward (McLaren) +0.761s
15 Arvid Lindblad (Red Bull) +0.771s
16 Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.875s
17 Ayumu Iwasa (Racing Bulls) +0.990s
18 Luke Browning (Williams) +1.005s
19 Jak Crawford (Aston Martin) +1.404s
20 Cian Shields (Aston Martin) +1.947s
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
