2025 F1 ABU DHABI GP Friday analysis by Peter Windsor

Friday in the Championship Showdown proved to be closely-matched between Lando Norris (McLaren-Mercedes) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda). For the other protagonist, though, free practice was frustrating. Oscar Piastri was obliged to sit out FP1 while Pat O'Ward drove his car and was then late out in FP2. As a result, Oscar finished the day only P11 - a far cry from the speed and momentum he was carrying after Qatar. It could all change tomorrow, of course - and FP1 in AD is held in much hotter conditions than qualifying and the race. Even so, his FP1 absence was strange to see - as Peter Windsor details in this video.
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