Norris Tops Practice — Favourite for 2025 Title?

Lando Norris headed into the Abu Dhabi weekend as the fastest driver in Friday practice, aiming to turn his points lead into a first Formula 1 championship. He topped both sessions — quickest in the daytime FP1 and again in the more representative FP2 at dusk — giving McLaren and himself strong momentum before the finale. Norris leads the standings by 12 points over Max Verstappen, with Oscar Piastri a further four points adrift of Verstappen, so the title fight remains tightly contested. Friday’s pace is encouraging for Norris, but with rivals close in the order and Abu Dhabi often producing surprises, qualifying, strategy and the race itself will decide whether he can stay on top. By Lawrence Barretto